Are you suffering from infertility, fibroids, endometriosis, PMS or the negative side effects of menopause? If so, natural progesterone cream might be the answer to the hormone imbalance that is causing your suffering. Indeed, it’s a natural way to balance your hormones and may help relieve or entirely remove some health issues that you’ve been plagued by.

Progesterone cream can either be made with naturally produced progesterone or synthetic progesterone analogs called progestins. Progesterone cream is highly fat-soluble and very well absorbed by applying it to the skin. Using progesterone in topical cream form allows the user to control and vary the amount of progesterone applied to the body with each use.

What Is Progesterone?

Progesterone is a natural steroid hormone that is found in much higher concentrations in women than men. In women, it operates harmoniously with estrogen and other steroid hormones involved in physiological functions such as the menstrual cycle and preparing the uterine lining for implantation by a fertilized egg. Other essential roles of progesterone include building new bone tissue and countering the tendency of estrogen to cause excess growth in the lining of the uterus, which can lead to endometriosis.

Progesterone is also a key precursor to other steroid hormones, including cortisol, testosterone and certain estrogens (estriol, estradiol and estrone). While a woman’s estrogen may eventually drop 40–60 percent below her baseline level by menopause, her progesterone level can drop even more dramatically. Although the adrenal glands still produce some progesterone, the decline in progesterone upsets the body’s natural hormone balance.

Following menopause, a woman’s progesterone level drops to nearly zero. Application of progesterone cream is a form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to relieve menopause symptoms.

The many roles progesterone plays in the body includes:

• maintains the uterine lining and prevents excess tissue buildup
• inhibits breast tissue overgrowth
• balances blood sugar
• boosts metabolism
• acts as a natural diuretic
• normalizes blood clotting
• promotes normal sleep patterns
• stimulates production of new bone
• improves the action of thyroid hormones
• reduces anxiety and depression
• improves libido

Natural Progesterone Cream vs. Synthetic

Natural progesterone refers to bioidentical hormone products that have a molecular structure identical to the hormones our bodies manufacture naturally. In 1938, Dr. Russell E. Marker discovered that the roots of wild yam contained diosgenin, a phytoestrogen or plant-based estrogen, that could be chemically converted into the hormone progesterone.

Today’s natural progesterone creams typically contain diosgenin from wild yam that grows in Mexico or from soybeans.  Some women opt to ingest progesterone, but up to 80–90 percent of an oral dose of progesterone can be lost through the liver. Progesterone cream is preferable to oral progesterone since it is much better absorbed transdermally and less taxing to the liver in this form.

After application to the skin, the progesterone from the cream is then stored in fatty tissues for use as required by the body. Natural progesterone cream is not a patentable, product so pharmaceutical funding for progesterone research has gone in the direction of expensive patentable progestins such, as synthetic birth control pills.

Unlike natural progesterone, synthetic progestins are not molecularly identical to the hormones found naturally in the body. Synthetic progestins are extremely potent and just a small dose can prevent ovulation, which is why they were first developed for use as oral contraception.

Also, synthetically created progesterone creams do not emulate the progesterone produced by the human body like natural progesterone creams, so the possibility of negative outcomes is highly increased by using synthetic products. Synthetic progesterone creams are often made with potent animal estrogens derived from the urine of pregnant mares.

As a result, I only recommend the use of a high-quality, natural progesterone cream.

Benefits 

1. Relieves Menopause Symptoms

Menopause is the permanent end of menstruation and fertility, defined as occurring twelve months after a woman’s last period. The average age for menopause to occur in women in the U.S. is 51 years old, but menopause can occur anytime in the 40s or 50s. Earlier menopause can be the result of an eating disorder or surgical removal of the ovaries.

Although menopause is a natural biological process, it can often bring some unwelcome side effects, including hot flashes, mood swings and insomnia. Application of progesterone cream has been shown to significantly reduce menopausal symptoms so consider it one of the natural remedies for menopause. It also appears to improve bone density, another concern for women as they age.

2.  Boosts Fertility

There are many factors that can contribute to infertility, or the inability to get pregnant, in women. Infertility causes may include poor nutrition, emotional stress, sexually transmitted diseases, thyroid disorders, candida, medical conditions, eating disorders, excessive exercise, obesity, PCOS and hormonal problems.

By applying progesterone cream externally, a woman can naturally balance her estrogen and progesterone levels to achieve an ideal ratio for conception — thus it acts as a natural infertility treatment. Progesterone cream can also be very useful at preventing miscarriage.

​Progesterone is absolutely essential to establishing a pregnancy and sustaining a pregnancy because it ensures a healthy environment in the womb by maintaining the uterine lining. Low progesterone ​levels ​during pregnancy can be one cause of recurrent miscarriages. ​Progesterone also​ reduces the chances of blood clots and the immune system responding to the fetus as if it was a foreign substance.  ​​

3. Treats Fibroid Tumors

Fibroids are abnormal growths that occur in a woman’s uterus. It is estimated that about three-quarters of American women of childbearing age have fibroid tumors in their uteruses. These benign tumors can cause not only pain, anemia, excessive menstrual bleeding and infertility, but they are also responsible for a third of the 200,000 hysterectomies in the U.S. each year.

Fibroids are often caused by high levels of estrogen and low levels of progesterone due to obesity, hypothyroidism, perimenopause or low-fiber diets.

Progesterone cream may act as a natural fibroid treatment and offer pain relief by curbing the influence of estrogen enough to shrink the fibroids and ease symptoms. However, there have been reported cases where uterine fibroids have not responded ideally to progesterone therapy.​

According to Dr. John Lee, an expert in natural hormone balance, explains the double results in the following way:

Fibroids tend to grow during the years before menopause and then atrophy after menopause. This suggests that estrogen stimulates fibroid growth, but we also know that once they get larger, progesterone, too, can contribute to their growth.”​ ​​​When treating fibroids, it’s important to work with a doctor who has tested your hormone levels so you can be best advised if natural progesterone cream is the right option for your body.

4.  Helps Endometriosis

Endometriosis is an often painful, chronic disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of a woman’s uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus in the ovaries, bowel, pelvis or in rare cases, beyond the pelvic region. Endometriosis affects roughly 10 percent (190 million) of reproductive age women and girls globally..

No one is sure of the exact cause of endometriosis, but some contributing factors include: genetics, hormonal imbalances or a disorder of the uterine tissue that starts at birth. The contributing hormonal imbalance often involves low progesterone levels, which can be improved by the application of progesterone cream, which thus acts as one of the natural remedies for endometriosis.

By restoring proper progesterone levels, you can restore normal growth and shedding of the endometrium.

5.  Balance Hormones and Relieve PMS Symptoms

Common premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms include fatigue, bloating, skin issues, emotional changes, breast tenderness and cramps. These unwanted symptoms of PMS are primarily caused each month by hormonal imbalance.

For women who need PMS natural remedies, please know that treatment with progesterone may restore a deficiency, balance menstrual hormone levels or reduce effects of falling progesterone levels on the brain or on electrolytes in the blood. 

How to Use

Natural progesterone creams are available over-the-counter at drugstores and health stores as well as online. Make sure to purchase a progesterone cream that contains pure USP progesterone, which means that it meets the standards of the United States Pharmacopeia for strength, purity and quality. Quality natural progesterone creams include Serenity for Women, PureGest Lotion and Natural Woman Progesterone Cream.

Since progesterone is very fat-soluble, progesterone cream is easily absorbed through the skin. From the skin, progesterone is absorbed into the bloodstream. Absorption is best at all the following skin sites: inner arms, upper chest, lower back and palms of the hands. It’s important to rotate sites of application and do not use more than 20–30 milligrams daily.

• For Menopause:  ¼ teaspoon (about a dime-sized dollop) applied to the skin and forearms 2–3 times daily.
• For Infertility, Fibroids & Endometriosis: ¼ teaspoon applied to the skin daily, days 6–26 of cycle, stop after 3rd month of pregnancy.
• For PMS:  ¼ teaspoon applied to the skin daily starting after ovulation until the day before your period begins.

Precautions and Side Effects

Never use progesterone cream before checking with your doctor to evaluate the source of your health concerns as well as your current hormone levels. Synthetic progesterone may inhibit the concentration of the body’s natural progesterone, so hormone imbalances are worsened instead of improved.

Possible side effects of synthetic progesterone include breast tenderness or discharge, hives, itching, skin rash, acne, hair growth or hair loss, spotting or break-through bleeding, changes in menstrual periods, vaginal itching or discharge, changes in appetite, increased or decreased weight, nausea, stomach pain, bloating, fever, sleep problems (insomnia), and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or skin color changes.

Some more serious side effects are an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, breast cancer, blood clots and pulmonary emboli in postmenopausal women. This long list of undesirable possibilities provides good reason to opt for natural over synthetic when it comes to progesterone cream.

When it comes to using a natural progesterone cream, you still should be careful that you are taking the appropriate dosage for your concerns and that you are not using the cream for too long. Whether a progesterone cream is synthetic or natural, progesterone does accumulate in the tissues, which is why long-term use is not typically recommended.

One side effect that can occur with natural progesterone cream is an altering of the timing of your menstrual cycle. Appropriate dosage and timing can help reduce this possibility.

The post Natural Progesterone Cream for Fertility & Menopause appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Do you find yourself overly stressed, tired and even notice weight gain despite not changing your diet or workout frequency? Your cortisol levels may be out of whack. More specifically, they may be too high.

Cortisol is often called the primary “stress hormone” because it’s one of the main hormones we release when we’re under any sort of pressure and our evolutionary-based “fight or flight response” kicks into gear. Although most think of cortisol as a bad thing — such as contributing to acne, weight gain or high blood pressure — there’s actually a lot more to cortisol levels than just our stress response and its unwanted symptoms. We need it to live.

While producing cortisol is a necessity for life and helps keep us motivated, awake and responsive to our environment, maintaining abnormally high circulating cortisol levels can become dangerous and contribute to long-term problems. Long-term use of corticosteroids and chronic stress are two of the biggest contributors to high cortisol. Chronic, high cortisol production is tied to symptoms and ailments including weight gain, anxiety, sleep disorders, hormonal imbalances and fertility problems, in addition to many other problems.

The good news is there are many natural ways to lower high cortisol levels.

What Is Cortisol?

The adrenal gland, following signals from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, is responsible for the secretion of cortisol, a type of essential glucocorticoid steroid hormone. Cortisol levels are highest in the morning around 7 a.m. and lowest at night (called a diurnal rhythm).

Cortisol is also present in both chronically stressed individuals and those who are perfectly healthy. This vital hormone possesses dozens of different purposes within the body and makes numerous chemical interactions every single day.

What does cortisol do exactly? Cortisol receptors are scattered throughout the entire body, found in nearly every cell, and serve different essential functions, including:

• helping to keep us awake and alert
• preventing fatigue or brain fog
• keeping our metabolisms running (it helps us burn fat for energy)
• balancing blood sugar levels (since it allows cells to take up and use glucose for energy)
• reducing inflammation and helping with healing
• balancing fluid levels based on salt and water intake
• contributing to control over blood pressure
• helping with many cognitive processes like learning and memory formulation
• allowing us to respond to and escape perceived dangers
• helping to develop the fetus during pregnancy

Levels of cortisol rise when the pituitary gland releases another hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH signals the adrenals to pump out more cortisol. Why does this happen? Many different things trigger this release, including various forms of physical or emotional stress, a poor lifestyle, too little sleep, or illnesses and infections.

While cortisol (a stress hormone) can increase in response to good or bad stress, it tends to remain elevated when someone is dealing with chronic, unresolved stress. A so-called positive stress is also called eustress.

Cushing’s Disease

When the pituitary or adrenal glands produce abnormally high levels of cortisol for a duration of time, a doctor (perhaps a endocrinologist) may diagnose a serious, chronic disorder called Cushing’s disease.

Cushing’s disease is usually caused by tumors on the adrenal or pituitary glands and often causes symptoms like rapid weight gain, a swollen face, fatigue, and water retention/swelling around the abdomen and upper back. It impacts women between the ages of 25 to 40 most often, although people of any age and gender can develop this condition.

Diagnosable Cushing’s disease caused by an overactive adrenal gland is considered much rarer than just having generally high cortisol levels. In other words, you have a much greater chance of experiencing high cortisol at certain times due to increased stress in your life than you do of ever being diagnosed with Cushing’s disease.

While people experience at least somewhat high levels of cortisol at one time or another during very stressful episodes (such as a job loss, family crisis or major change), rates of Cushing’s disease diagnoses are still very low compared to other hormonal/endocrine conditions like thyroid disorders or diabetes, for example.

It’s estimated that Cushing’s disease impacts between 10 to 15 people per million, but comparatively high cortisol levels above what are considered normal affect millions of people and most adults. While symptoms of Cushing’s disease and high cortisol tend to be similar, those caused by Cushing’s disease are usually more severe, last longer and more often cause other complications.

Cushing’s syndrome is not the same as Cushing’s disease. They’re similar but also different conditions: Cushing’s syndrome is less serious and refers to “the general state characterized by excessive levels of cortisol in the blood,” while Cushing’s disease is the condition caused by a pituitary tumor that secretes the hormone ACTH, which causes excess cortisol.

Addison’s Disease

On the other hand, the opposite of having Cushing’s disease — experiencing abnormally low cortisol levels — can result in a condition known as Addison’s disease, adrenal insufficiency or adrenal fatigue. Addison’s disease is also rare and is considered a type of autoimmune disease, since it causes the immune system to attack the body’s own healthy tissue. In this case, tissues within the adrenal glands themselves becomes damaged and inflamed, which alters how the adrenals produce hormones.

Certain symptoms of Addison’s disease are essentially the opposite of symptoms of Cushing’s disease, since they’re caused by a deficit in cortisol rather than an excess. Addison’s symptoms can include fatigue, weight loss, muscle wasting, mood swings and changes to the skin. Symptoms of adrenal fatigue can be similar.

Symptoms

According to research done by the Genetics Learning Science Center, the long-term danger of having high cortisol is that it activates the fight-or-flight response, which temporarily shuts down normal reproductive, digestive and immune functions. The body targets these systems for shutdown because it doesn’t need them for immediate survival.

Sensory nerve cells pass the perception of a threat, or stress, from the environment to the hypothalamus in the brain. This signals the pituitary and primary adrenal glands to produce more cortisol. If this cycle goes on for too long, someone becomes more susceptible to all sorts of illnesses, infections and hormonal problems.

Some clues that may signal you’re living with high cortisol levels include:

• weight gain, especially around the abdomen/stomach (this can happen despite not changing your diet or exercise routine)
• a puffy, flushed face
• mood swings and increased anxiety
• fatigue (including feeling “tired but wired”)
• trouble sleeping normally
• irregular periods and fertility problems (chronic stress drives pregnenolone/progesterone into conversion to cortisol, which competes for precursors available for synthesizing of other important hormones, like DHEA, estrogen and estradiol
• high blood pressure levels (cortisol narrows the arteries while the epinephrine increases heart rate)
• acne or other changes in the skin
• higher rates for bone fractures and osteoporosis (cortisol can lower hormones like estrogen, which are important for bone health)
• muscle aches and pains
• changes in libido due to changes in estrogen or decreased testosterone
• excessive thirst
• increased urination
• higher susceptibility to infections (the stress response can lower immune system functions)

Causes

Wondering what underlying conditions could be contributing to your high cortisol levels? Cortisol tends to go up as perceived stress goes up, so anything that triggers a negative mind states — things like anxiety, worry, anger or frustration — contributes to high cortisol levels. Medication use, inflammation, poor sleep and a poor diet can also trigger high cortisol levels by altering hormonal balances and negatively affecting the immune system.

Corticosteroid medications like hydrocortisone, prednisone pills or other medications used to treat inflammatory-related diseases or symptoms are common causes of high cortisol levels. Aside from corticosteroids, other major factors contributing to higher than usual cortisol production include:

• depression
• over-exercising or overtraining
• nutrient deficiencies
• addiction (alcohol or drug abuse)
• higher than normal estrogen levels
• malnourishment and eating disorders
• severe kidney or liver disease
• hyperthyroidism
• obesity
• pregnancy or birth control pills
• recent surgery, illness, injury or whole-body infections (which all trigger inflammation)

Testing and Diagnosis

Your doctor can order a number of tests to determine if you have abnormally high cortisol levels. Both blood and urine testing help reveal a problem, but a 24-hour urine test is used more often than a cortisol blood test to diagnose Cushing’s disease or syndrome.

The cortisol values listed below, which can be obtained from a blood test, serve as a reference range for what’s considered normal. Cortisol levels above this normal range are considered high and can be risky or problematic.

But keep in mind that values differ depending on time of day, age and the type of cortisol test preformed. Saliva tests are now also recommended and appear to be as reliable as a blood sample. Additionally, an overnight dexamethasone suppression test may also be recommended, and it involves taking a dose of a corticosteroid medicine called dexamethasone to determine how blood cortisol is affected.

Because of this, your doctor will always need to evaluate your results in light of your specific symptoms and medical history.

• Normal cortisol ranges for adults and children in the morning are between five to 23 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) or 138 to 635 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L)
• Normal cortisol ranges for adults and children in the afternoon are between three to 16 mcg/dL or 83 to 441 nmol/L
• Normal cortisol for a newborn baby is between two to 11 mcg/dL or 55 to 304 nmol/L

If your test results reveal that you’re at risk for Cushing’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome, you’ll be treated dependent on what’s causing cortisol levels to rise in the first place. Cushing’s syndrome and Cushing’s disease are most often caused by benign tumor growth on the pituitary gland (called a pituitary adenoma), cortisol-like synthetic medication use and the cortisol-increasing lifestyle factors mentioned above, so all of these will be addressed by your doctor if they’re contributing to your symptoms.

A high percentage of people with either Cushing’s disease or syndrome display at least small tumor growths on their pituitary glands and need to have these removed with surgery or reduced with medications and lifestyle changes in order to resolve cortisol-related symptoms.

It’s important to talk to your doctor if you suspect you might have Cushing’s disease or syndrome to assess whether or not you need to discontinue or lower use of medications that increase cortisol (such as steroids), undergo life-saving surgery to remove the tumor, or use radiation and/or medications to shrink the tumor. However, keep in mind these are very rarely needed interventions, and most people with high cortisol levels are able to manage their conditions naturally without surgery or medication.

How to Lower Cortisol Levels Naturally

You can greatly help manage cortisol levels and regain your health by changing your diet, exercise routine, sleep and stress levels. Assuming you haven’t been diagnosed with Cushing’s disease (see above) by your doctor, here are steps you can take to help lower high cortisol levels naturally:

1. Switch to a Whole Foods, Anti-inflammatory Diet

Poorly managed blood sugar levels (especially hypoglycemia, having low blood sugar) and high levels of inflammation can contribute to high cortisol levels and other hormonal imbalances. Following an anti-inflammatory diet low in processed foods and high in antioxidants, fiber and essential nutrients is key to balancing hormones, controlling your cravings and getting you on the right track. These same strategies can also help with adrenal support, allowing you to reach and maintain a healthy weight, boosting energy during the day and helping you sleep better at night.

Some of the most significant dietary contributors to inflammation and high cortisol levels include:

• high-sugar, high-glycemic diet (with many packaged foods, refined grain products, sugary drinks and snacks)
• consuming high amounts of refined and trans fats
• drinking too much caffeine and alcohol
• experiencing insufficient intake of micronutrients and antioxidants
• not consuming enough fiber (which makes it hard to balance blood sugar)
• not consuming enough healthy fats or protein (which can lead to hunger, weight gain and high blood sugar)

Instead, switch to a low-glycemic diet, include healthy fats and proteins with every meal, and make sure to get enough fiber and phytonutrients by eating plenty fresh fruits and veggies. Some of the most useful foods for lowering cortisol and stabilizing blood sugar include vegetables; fruits; coconut or olive oil; nuts; seeds; lean proteins like eggs, fish and grass-fed beef; and probiotic foods (like yogurt, kefir or cultured veggies).

2. Reduce and Manage Stress

Chronic stress is now linked with just about every health problem out there. Stress affects most people at least to some degree and impacts health by sending chemical signals around the body, including to the heart and blood vessels, immune system, lungs, digestive system, sensory organs, and brain. Stress has the power to increase breathing, heart rate, pain and muscle tension, your appetite (including overeating), and sleep-related problems.

Fortunately, stress management is something you can begin without too much trouble. The natural stress relievers listed below are proven to help lower cortisol and decrease the negative impact stress has on your health:

• Meditation or “mindfulness”: This practice has been shown to help train the brain and body to turn off the stress response and promote more relaxation. And these benefits are possible without impairing alertness, concentration or memory. Many studies show that daily mediation or even healing prayer for just 15 to 30 minutes can offer significant reductions in cortisol. Participating in a regular “mindfulness-based stress reduction” program also offers significant reductions in cortisol and stress-related symptoms or diseases. Using meditative methods can also improve brain and heart health while bolstering your immune system.
• Acupuncture: Trusted for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture treatments help naturally control stress and reduce symptoms like muscle or joint pain, headaches, fertility problems, troubling sleeping, and poor circulation.
• Deep breathing exercises: Taking deep breaths helps turn down the sympathetic nervous system and kick in the body’s natural relaxation response by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. Diaphragmatic breathing is an easy technique to learn on your own and practice throughout the day to relieve muscle tension and anxiety.
• Spending time in nature/outdoors: Studies show that physical settings play a role in stress reduction, and being in nature is a well-documented way to promote relaxation. Try going for walks (try forest bathing) or runs outside (especially barefoot running or walking, a practice called “earthing“), spending time at the ocean, walking through forests, gardening at home, or doing other things outdoors and away from technology to reduce anxiety.

3. Exercise Regularly

According to research published by Harvard Medical School, regular exercise (about 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week, depending on the intensity) is one of the best ways to manage stress, balance hormones, sleep better and aid normal metabolic functions (like balancing blood sugar levels). The key is to avoid overtraining and overexerting yourself, which can actually cause even more cortisol to be released.

Exercise benefits hormone levels because although it temporarily increases adrenaline and cortisol production, it generally helps bring cortisol back down to normal levels afterward. This cycle helps your body better handle stress and gives your autonomic nervous system (the one that controls your stress and relaxation responses) its own workout. This means the next time your stress hormones rise due to a perceived threat, you should be able to lower cortisol levels more easily, since your body becomes primed to this during physical activity.

4. Use Adaptogen Herbs and Superfoods

Adaptogen herbs help naturally lower high cortisol levels in several key ways. They help balance hormones; reduce inflammation due to their strong antioxidant, antiviral and antibacterial effects; have natural antidepressant effects; lower fatigue; and help balance blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Many adaptogens, such as reishi mushrooms and cocoa, have been safely used for thousands of years to promote better overall health with little to no side effects.

There are at least 16 different proven adaptogenic herbs that can help lower cortisol, including:

• ashwaganda
• astragalus
• licorice root
• holy basil
• medicinal mushrooms, including resishi and cordyceps
• rhodiola

5. Try Essential Oils to Promote Relaxation

Similarly to adaptogen herbs, essential oils are also helpful for fighting stress and balancing hormones. Essential oils, including lavender, myrrh, frankincense and bergamot, contain potent, active ingredients that have been shown to naturally lower cortisol, reduce inflammation, improve immunity, and help with sleep and digestive functions.

Try inhaling some of the best essential oils for hormones, diffusing them in your home, making bath soaks or body washes using your favorite kinds, or rubbing them directly into your skin when mixed properly with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba oil). If you’re dealing with side effects of high cortisol, including acne, indigestion or bloated stomach, certain essential oils like lemon or peppermint can help with that, too.

6. Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep helps us control cortisol production, but having high cortisol levels can make it hard to rest. In people with normal circadian rhythms, cortisol levels rise during the early morning hours and then drop very low at night prior to sleep and during sleep. People who develop high cortisol levels can wind up feeling the opposite: wired and anxious at night, but then fatigued during the day — thus, they can’t sleep well at the times they’re supposed to.

This overactivity of the adrenal glands is one of the biggest signs of Cushing’s disease or adrenal fatigue and is usually tied to stress and hormonal imbalances. By taking the steps listed above, you should be able to rest more easily. Ideally, you should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night to reset your circadian rhythms and bring hormones back to balance.

Final Thoughts

Although cortisol is often viewed as a bad actor, we need it to live. The problem is medications, a lack of exercise, processed foods and high stress levels can leave us living with too much cortisol in the body. In rare cases, a (usually benign) tumor could be the root cause of high cortisol levels. Your doctor can order routine tests to determine your cortisol levels and suggest ways to lower it.

Regardless, we could all probably tap in to natural cortisol-lowering techniques like mindfulness, exercise, and a diet rich in fresh vegetables, clean protein and fruit. So in order to keep your cortisol levels in check, remember the following:

• Here are some steps you can take to manage your cortisol levels: switch to a whole foods, anti-inflammatory diet; reduce and manage stress; exercise regularly; use adaptogen herbs and superfoods; use essential oils to promote relaxation; and get enough sleep.
• You have a much greater chance of experiencing high cortisol at certain times due to increased stress in your life than you do of ever being diagnosed with Cushing’s disease, though Cushing’s disease is usually caused by tumors on the adrenal or pituitary glands and often causes symptoms like rapid weight gain, a swollen face, fatigue, and water retention/swelling around the abdomen and upper back. It impacts women between the ages of 25 to 40 most often, although people of any age and gender can develop this condition. While symptoms of Cushing’s disease and high cortisol tend to be similar, those caused by Cushing’s disease are usually more severe, last longer and more often cause other complications.
• Symptoms of high cortisol levels include weight gain; a puffy, flushed face; mood swings and increased anxiety; fatigue; trouble sleeping; irregular periods and fertility problems; high blood pressure; acne or other changes in the skin; higher rates for bone fractures and osteoporosis; muscle aches and pains; changes in libido due ot changes in estrogen or decreased testosterone; excessive thirst, increased urination; and higher susceptibility to infections.
• Corticosteroids, depression, over-exercising or overtraining, nutrient deficiencies, alcohol or drug abuse, higher than normal estrogen levels, malnourishment and eating disorders, sever kidney or liver disease, hyperthyroidism, obesity, pregnancy or birth control pills, and recent surgery, illness, injury or whole-body infections can all cause high cortisol.

The post Natural Remedies for High Cortisol Levels & Excessive Stress appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Did you know that chronic stress can affect your body’s ability to recuperate from physical, mental or emotional stress? This is likely why most people have dealt with adrenal fatigue at some point in their lives.

Many proponents of this condition estimate that almost every person can experience adrenal fatigue, also known as hypoadrenia, to some degree at a particularly stressful point in his or her life.

Because the adrenals influence many parts of the body, symptoms of adrenal fatigue can mimic a number of disorders and isn’t always easily recognizable.

Adrenal fatigue symptoms, like brain fog, moodiness and trouble sleeping, can be indicative of many disorders and are often overlooked by doctors. But more and more people are starting to realize that a combination of these health issues often indicate the onset of adrenal fatigue.

If you have adrenal fatigue, it can have significant effects on your overall health. Luckily, you can improve this common issue naturally by focusing on your nutrient intake and lifestyle choices.

What Is Adrenal Fatigue?

A relatively new term, “adrenal fatigue” was proposed as a new condition in 1998 by Dr. James L. Wilson, a naturopath and chiropractor. His assumption was that an overstimulation of the adrenal glands (or “adrenals”) by long-term stress could lead to an inconsistent level of cortisol (the stress hormone) in the bloodstream.

In addition to this overload or improper stress hormone levels, people with adrenal fatigue often don’t have enough DHEA, the “parent hormone” responsible for the creation of many necessary hormones in the body.

Dr. Wilson describes the unique progression of adrenal fatigue throughout the day as follows:

• You wake up and are unable to function without a significant amount of caffeine.
• You finally feel a boost of energy during the early part of the day.
• Then your energy levels crash around 2 p.m., rise around 6 p.m. and fall again around 9 p.m.
• Your energy finally peaks again at 11 p.m.

What Are Your Adrenal Glands?

Your adrenal glands (adrenals) are two thumb-sized organs that sit above your kidneys and are part of the endocrine system. Also known as the suprarenal glands, they’re involved in producing over 50 hormones that drive almost every bodily function, many of which are essential for life.

The adrenal glands work closely with the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland in a system known as the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis).

Adrenal glands play a huge role in stress response. Here’s how it works:

• Your brain registers a threat, whether emotional, mental or physical.
• The adrenal medulla releases cortisol and adrenaline hormones to help you react to the threat (the fight-or-flight response), rushing blood to your brain, heart and muscles.
• The adrenal cortex then releases corticosteroids to dampen processes like digestion, immune system response and other functions not necessary for immediate survival.

Your adrenal glands are also responsible for balancing hormones.

Is Adrenal Fatigue Real?

The major issue with recognizing or diagnosing adrenal fatigue is the inability to distinguish its symptoms and patterns from other disorders. The parameters for this condition are nonspecific, which, unfortunately, has led to a great controversy around this topic, even though the very nature of cortisol and bodily hormones is that the effects are far-reaching.

A diagnosis for this condition is difficult because stress hormone levels typically fall in what conventional medicine would call “inside the normal range,” although the symptoms are clear to those suffering from the condition.

People who believe that adrenal fatigue isn’t a real health concern often state that consistent levels of chronic stress have no effect on the adrenals and the only true endocrine disorders are those caused by other diseases and direct damage to the adrenal glands.

However, many practitioners of natural medicine know, from experience in a health care practice and supporting scientific evidence, that hypoadrenia is very real and associated with a number of complications.

In addition, adrenal fatigue treatment is relatively non-invasive and is beneficial to your health, no matter the diagnosis. Of course, you should be under the care of a qualified medical professional, such as a functional medicine doctor, you trust, and see her or him about any symptoms you experience (of any disease) so the doctor can determine appropriate treatment.

Problems with Adrenal Function

When discussing problems with adrenal function, it’s important to understand that adrenal fatigue is not the same thing as adrenal insufficiency, Addison’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome/Cushing’s disease.

Here’s a quick breakdown of these conditions and how they are different than adrenal fatigue:

Adrenal Insufficiency and Addison’s Disease

• Symptoms found in adrenal insufficiency that are not found in adrenal fatigue include major digestive issues, weight loss, low blood sugar, headache and sweating.
• Primary adrenal insufficiency is what is known as Addison’s disease and occurs when the adrenal glands are damaged by some type of trauma and can’t produce enough cortisol or aldosterone.
• Secondary adrenal insufficiency (which is more common) occurs when the pituitary gland stops producing adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). ACTH is what stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.
• What differentiates this condition from adrenal fatigue? More often than not, adrenal fatigue is modeled by an overabundance of stress hormone levels, often at the “wrong” times, while adrenal insufficiency is a consistent inability to produce cortisol.
• The largest difference between them is that people with adrenal fatigue usually have cortisol levels that fall in “normal” levels but not “optimal,” while adrenal insufficiency patients have cortisol levels consistently outside the normal range.

Cushing’s Syndrome/Disease

• Cushing’s disease is an extremely rare disease that involves the overproduction of cortisol, outside the normal levels, that most often affects women between 25–40.
• This condition is sometimes the result of tumors, and in other cases, there is no known cause.
• Cushing’s can be reversed and is defined as a “curable” condition by the National Institute of Health.
• Unique symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome (called Cushing’s disease when caused by a pituitary tumor) include abdominal/facial weight gain, male impotence, failure to menstruate, increased risk of miscarriage, high blood sugar and high blood pressure.

Symptoms

What happens when the adrenal glands stop producing hormones efficiently?

Every bodily function is affected, and as adrenal hormone levels ebb and flow abnormally, even the normal “get-up-and-go” you get from them disappears.

Studies indicate that adrenal fatigue symptoms include:

• Autoimmune conditions
• Chronic fatigue (always feeling tired)
• Brain fog
• Hair loss
• Hormone imbalance
• Weakened stress response
• Insulin resistance
• Lightheadedness
• Decreased sex drive/libido
• Moodiness and irritability
• Depression
• Muscle or bone loss
• Skin ailments
• Sleep disturbances/sleep apnea
• Weight gain
• Sweet and salty food cravings
• Loss of appetite

As you can see, there are a number of symptoms that might be related to other underlying disorders, including some very common women’s health issues.

Fortunately, the ways to combat these issues are very similar and benefit your overall health. If you’ve experienced any of these adrenal fatigue side effects, take heart, for there are now many natural ways to treat and support your adrenal system.

Causes

Adrenal fatigue is a condition in which the body and adrenal glands can’t keep up with the tremendous amount of daily stress many people experience. Sometimes misunderstood as an autoimmune disorder, adrenal fatigue can mimic some precursors to other common illnesses and diseases.

Wellness doctors and practitioners believe that an episode of acute stress or prolonged (especially for over a year), ongoing stress can cause adrenal glands to become overloaded and ineffective, then improperly release cortisol. They believe that hypoadrenia can be caused by:

• Stressful experiences like death of loved one, divorce or surgery
• Exposure to environmental toxins and pollution
• Prolonged stress due to financial hardship, bad relationships or work environment, and other conditions that entail feelings of helplessness
• Negative thinking and emotional trauma
• Lack of sleep
• Poor diet (including crash diets and inconsistent nutrition) and lack of exercise
• Pain
• Food sensitivities
• Adverse events in childhood
• Surgery
• Reliance on stimulants like caffeine or energy drinks
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Diabetes/impaired glucose levels

Can stress cause extreme fatigue? Yes, it absolutely can.

One study found that students undergoing chronic, long-term stress when prepping for medical exams at the end of their educational careers impaired the students’ cortisol awakening response.

By limiting this surge in cortisol that naturally occurs every morning when you wake up to help you feel alert, stress inhibits your ability to wake up fully, no matter how much sleep you get.

Another study, released in 2005, found that students diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome had “alterations in adrenal function,” particularly in females, suggesting that their adrenal glands were no longer receiving a normal amount of stimulation.

Depression may also play a role in the development or effects of adrenal fatigue. Research shows that after a major depressive episode, cortisol responses do not easily readjust to normal levels and might be somewhat responsible for a recurrence of depression.

And there’s research suggesting that hypothalamic dysfunction is common in multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease. Researchers are evaluating why dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is common in multiple sclerosis, but it’s believed to be linked to abnormal cortisol secretion.

Diagnosis and Tests

There are both conventional and natural treatments for adrenal fatigue. The first step is to diagnose the problem, which can be difficult because most people go too long simply dealing with their symptoms.

Diagnosis and Adrenal Fatigue Tests

Many people go for some time without consulting their general physicians or endocrinologists about some of the symptoms of adrenal fatigue. This is one major reason why diagnosis of this condition is uncommon.

However, experiencing high cortisol symptoms over a long period of time can really take a toll. In addition, some symptoms can be indicative of more serious conditions.

If you experience one or a combination of adrenal fatigue symptoms for an extended period of time and your symptoms have begun interfering with normal life, relationships and/or activities — such as work, family time or school — it’s time to visit your doctor and ask about adrenal fatigue.

Adrenal Fatigue Tests

Tests for adrenal fatigue are, unfortunately, another source of confusion for many. You should know ahead of time that these tests must be done by someone who understands the nature of adrenal fatigue and that tests for adrenal fatigue are rarely definitive.

The most common of these tests includes testing bodily fluid for cortisol. Blood tests are almost never helpful in this regard, but a 24-hour salivary panel may help your doctor recognize abnormal cortisol patterns, including a lack or overload of stress response.

Many doctors also test thyroid function in conjunction with cortisol levels because of the way these hormonal systems are interconnected.

Other tests that may be used to help diagnose or confirm adrenal fatigue include:

• ACTH Challenge
• TSH test (thyroid stimulating hormone)
• Free T3 (FT3)
• Total Thyroxine (TT4)
• Cortisol/DHEA ratio
• 17-HP/Cortisol ratio
• Neurotransmitter testing

There are also two safe home tests you can try, which include:

• The Iris Contraction Test: The theory behind this test is that the iris will not be able to properly contract when exposed to light in people with weakened adrenal function. The test involves sitting in a dark room and shining a flashlight briefly across the eyes repeatedly. If you have adrenal fatigue, it’s possible that the eye contraction will last no more than two minutes and the eyes will dilate even when still exposed to direct light.
• Postural Low Blood Pressure Test: In healthy individuals, blood pressure rises when rising from a laying position. Using a blood pressure monitor, you can test your pressure when laying down and then after standing. If you see no rise or a drop in your levels, it’s possible your adrenals have been weakened.

Conventional Treatment

Because of the controversial nature of this condition, you may need to seek out a naturopath who will help you treat adrenal fatigue with a combination of dietary advice and supplement recommendations, as well as any hormonal or other medications necessary.

Studies indicate that an oral dose of 20 milligrams of hydrocortisone is recommended by some for routine cortisol management, while an occasional dose of 50 milligrams may be prescribed but should not be taken regularly or in higher doses.

Your physician or endocrinologist should help you understand the potential side effects of this and any other medication recommended.

Natural Remedies

Natural remedies for adrenal fatigue involves:

• reducing stress on your body and your mind
• eliminating toxins
• avoiding negative thinking
• replenishing your body with healthy foods, supplements and ways of thinking

If you’re asking, “How can I help my adrenal glands?” the answer may be closer than you think — adrenal fatigue treatment looks a lot like the healthy, healing diets to help combat the underlying issues causing a number of conditions.

1. Follow the Adrenal Fatigue Diet

In every case of adrenal recovery, diet is a huge factor. There are a number of foods that offer adrenal support, helping replenish your adrenal energy so your system can come back to full health.

First, you must start by removing any hard-to-digest foods and any toxins or chemicals in your environment.

The idea behind the adrenal fatigue diet is to remove anything that taxes your adrenals.

Foods to avoid include:

• Caffeine: Caffeine can interfere with your sleep cycle and make it hard for your adrenals to recover. If you must drink coffee or a caffeinated beverage, then have a limited amount in the morning before noon.
• Sugar and sweeteners: Try to avoid as much extra sugar as possible. This includes avoiding high-fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners as well. Avoid sugary foods, cereals, candy and sweets. Be aware that sugar is an additive in many breads, condiments and dressings. Seek raw honey or stevia as alternatives, and always moderate your use of sweeteners of any kind.
• Carbohydrates: While carbohydrates aren’t all bad for you, the inflammation they can cause is particularly problematic when experiencing adrenal fatigue. Many people crave carb-heavy foods when they’re stressed, which offer a momentary satisfaction but end up taxing the adrenal glands more. If you’re overwhelmed and stressed out, try kicking the gluten and starchy carbs for a period of time to see if that may regulate your tiredness and energy levels.
• Processed and microwaved foods: First of all, the microwave has its own dangers, but additionally, most microwaveable, ultra-processed foods have many preservatives and fillers that are hard to digest and wear out your body’s energy and digestion cycle. Try to buy food on the outer walls of your grocery store, and prepare your own food whenever possible.
• Processed meats: An overload of protein can stress your hormones more than you might think, and the added hormones and lacking nutrition in conventional, processed meats (particularly red meats like beef and steak) can throw your system out of whack in quick succession. When buying meats for adrenal support, stick to grass-fed beef and free-range chicken or turkey, and eat these protein-heavy meats only in moderation.
• Hydrogenated oils: Vegetable oils like soybean, canola and corn oil are highly inflammatory and can lead to adrenal inflammation. Try to only use good fats such as coconut oil, olive oil, organic butter or ghee.

Next, you want to add nutrient-dense foods that are easy to digest and have healing qualities.

Foods to add to your diet include:

• Coconut
• Olives
• Avocado and other healthy fats
• Cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, etc.)
• Fatty fish (e.g., wild-caught salmon)
• Free-range chicken and turkey
• Bone broth
• Nuts, such as walnuts and almonds
• Seeds, such as pumpkin, chia and flax
• Kelp and seaweed
• Celtic or Himalayan sea salt
• Fermented foods rich in probiotics
• Chaga and cordyceps medicinal mushrooms

These foods help overcome adrenal fatigue because they’re nutrient-dense, low in sugar and have healthy fat and fiber.

2. Supplements and Herbs

Another major change to overcoming adrenal fatigue is taking the right supplements using supporting herbs. Because it can still be a challenge to get enough of every nutrient you need every day, supplements can be used to ensure that you get the vitamins and minerals that are vital for adrenal support.

In addition, there are certain herbs, spices and essential oils that can help to fight adrenal fatigue and support an energetic, vibrant life.

• Adaptogenic herbs ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea, schisandra and holy basil: Research shows that adaptogen herbs may help to lower cortisol levels and mediate stress responses within the body. By using these herbs in food preparation, you can alleviate some of the strain on your adrenal glands.
• Licorice root: This spice is available in extract form and has been shown to help increase the DHEA in your body. Licorice root is associated with some side effects and may sometimes be avoided by taking DGL licorice. Research suggests that pregnant women and those with heart, liver or kidney problems should avoid licorice root. Don’t take it for more than four weeks at a time. Make sure to monitor blood pressure, as levels can increase in some patients.
• Fish oil (EPA/DHA): There are a large number of benefits of supplementing with fish oil (or, for people on vegan or other plant-based diets, algal oil). Several of these include counteracting a number of adrenal fatigue-related symptoms and complications, such as diabetes, mental dysfunction, arthritis, immune system function, skin issues, gaining weight and anxiety/depression.
• Magnesium: Magnesium is one of the necessary nutrients for fighting adrenal insufficiency. While the mechanisms of this aren’t fully understood, you may benefit from supplementing with magnesium if you are suffering from adrenal fatigue.
• B-Complex vitamins: Research finds that vitamin B12 deficiency may be associated with stress on the adrenal cortex in some animals. Vitamin B5 is another commonly deficient vitamin in people with adrenal stress. Especially if you’re reducing or eliminating meat from your diet in order to fight adrenal fatigue, it may serve you well to take a high-quality B-complex vitamin supplement.
• Vitamin C: Known as a “stress-busting” nutrient, vitamin C appears to minimize the effects of stress on people as well as reduce the time necessary to bounce back from stressful events.
• Vitamin D: In addition to maintaining homeostasis between magnesium and phosphorus in the body and supporting strong bones, vitamin D may impact other conditions, including adrenal dysfunction and disease.
• Selenium: At least one animal study finds that selenium deficiency can negatively impact adrenal function.
• Lavender oil: Human and animal studies show that lavender essential oil has a calming effect that can reduce stress. Research also suggests that it may lower high cortisol levels when inhaled.
• Rosemary oil: Rosemary essential oil (along with lavender) may decrease cortisol concentrations and reduce oxidative stress on cells.

Remember to use whole-food-based supplements from reputable companies, and use only 100 percent, therapeutic-grade, USDA Certified Organic essential oils. Make sure you trust what you purchase.

3. Reduce Stress

The most important key to restoring your adrenal function is to heed your mind and stress needs. Pay attention to your body, and try the following natural stress relievers:

1. Rest when you feel tired as much as possible.
2. Sleep 8–10 hours a night.
3. Avoid staying up late and stay on a regular sleep cycle — ideally, in bed before 10 p.m.
4. Laugh and do something fun every day.
5. Minimize work and relational stress however possible.
6. Eat on a regular food cycle, and reduce your caffeine and sugar addiction.
7. Exercise (even moderate exercise and walking can help). Yoga, in particular, can help to improve quality of life and reduce stress responses. If you feel tired after exercise, it’s sometimes beneficial to only walk until adrenals are sufficiently healed.
8. Avoid negative people and self-talk.
9. Take time for yourself (do something relaxing).
10. Seek counsel or support for any traumatic experiences.

Let’s talk about “self-talk” for a minute. Our bodies are made to heal. However, the words we say have a great impact on our body and our ability to heal.

Regardless of what diet and supplements you take, your environment is one of the most important components.

So, be kind to yourself. Try to avoid saying negative things about yourself and others. It’s important to choose to be around positive people and stay positive about yourself as well.

Many people roll their eyes at such advice, but it’s scientifically proven that it’s possible to reduce pathological worry by practicing “thought replacement,” a positive self-talk practice that involves verbally reciting positive outcomes to stressful situations.

4. Recovery

How long does it take to recover? It’s not an easy question to answer because adrenal fatigue recovery time has never been studied.

Recovery for adrenal fatigue can take a little while, though. After all, it took months, maybe years, to wear out your adrenals — so it takes a little time to build up their strength again.

For full adrenal recovery, you can expect it to take:

• 6–9 months for minor adrenal fatigue
• 12–18 months for moderate fatigue
• Up to 24 months for severe adrenal fatigue

The best approach is to make solid changes to your lifestyle for lasting results. Some people notice a difference in their overall well-being after just a few weeks of better foods that aid in detoxification of the body and adrenal fatigue supplements.

If you aim for a balanced lifestyle with a healthy level of sleep, exercise, fun and a positive environment, then you are most likely to keep your adrenal system going strong!

Risks and Side Effects

First, remember that any new dietary regimen or addition of supplements in your lifestyle should be implemented under the supervision of a physician/naturopath you trust.

In general, introducing more plant-based foods into your lifestyle and eliminating stimulants, sugary foods and processed items with a ton of sodium or chemicals added to them is going to help you feel and live better, regardless of conditions you may or may not have.

The larger concern comes when referring to herbs, spices, supplements and essential oils used to combat adrenal fatigue. Don’t blindly use any new supplements, herb or essential oil without medical supervision or proper education on how, how much, how often and how long to use these supplements.

There are several herbs that should not be used when pregnant or breastfeeding. This includes medicinal mushrooms, adaptogenic herbs and some essential oils.

Final Thoughts

• Adrenal fatigue is a controversial condition considered to be an “in-between” state of health, before reaching a state of diagnosable disease.
• It’s said to be caused by high levels of chronic stress that lead to a taxing of the adrenal glands, forcing them to overproduce or underproduce cortisol, the stress hormone, at the wrong times.
• Common symptoms of adrenal fatigue include severe tiredness, brain fog, decreased sex drive, hair loss, insulin resistance and others.
• To naturally fight adrenal fatigue, remove inflammatory foods from your diet such as sugar and excess carbohydrates, and eat plenty of colorful, plant-based foods, free-range lean meats such as chicken or turkey, and lots of healthy fats.
• There are a variety of herbs, spices, supplements and essential oils that may be used to combat adrenal fatigue. These should be used under medical supervision.

The post What Is Adrenal Fatigue? Steps to Overcome It Naturally appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Do you know the difference between hyperthyroidism vs hypothyroidism? Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland becomes overactive. Hypothyroidism means the thyroid is underactive. Both conditions can cause a cascade of problems, because when the thyroid is not working properly, it can throw off many other vital functions of the body.

Doctors see hyperthyroidism in men and women, but this health condition occurs most often in women between the ages of 20 and 40.  Hyperthyroidism in children is also possible. But it doesn’t stop there — it’s actually a condition that can affect our pets, too, with feline hyperthyroidism cases being more prevalent than canine.

Do you think your thyroid is functioning as it should? Many times thyroid problems go unaddressed, especially in cases of subclinical hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Is an overactive thyroid serious?

It’s important to know common signs of hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, because if left untreated, it’s a health condition that can cause even more to worry about, including serious heart problems.

What Is Hyperthyroidism?

Very simply, hyperthyroidism is overactivity of the thyroid gland. Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. This gland may be small, but it has an incredible impact on your health. For starters, thyroid hormones produced by the gland regulate every aspect of your metabolism, from nutrient usage to body temperature control to heart rate.

There are two main hormones your thyroid gland produces, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), and these two hormones affect every cell in your body.

What does an overactive thyroid do to your body? This means your thyroid manufactures and releases more hormones than your body needs, which can then cause a large variety of unpleasant symptoms.

Symptoms

There are many possible hyperthyroidism signs and symptoms, including:

• Unintentional weight loss, even when your appetite and food intake stay the same or increase
• Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) — commonly more than 100 beats per minute
• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Heart palpitations
• Increased appetite
• Nervousness, anxiety and irritability
• Tremor — usually a fine trembling in your hands and fingers
• Sweating
• Changes in menstrual patterns (one of the specific hyperthyroidism symptoms in women)
• Increased sensitivity to heat
• Changes in bowel patterns, especially more frequent bowel movements
• An enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), which may appear as a swelling at the base of your neck
• Fatigue and muscle weakness
• Trouble sleeping
• Skin thinning
• Fine, brittle hair

A lack of symptoms or subtle symptoms are more common in older adults. Subtle symptoms can include an intolerance to heat, increased heart rate or a tendency to feel tired during everyday activities.

Causes

What causes hyperthyroidism? The most common cause and type of hyperthyroidism is the autoimmune disorder known as Graves’ disease. It’s estimated that about 85 percent of hyperthyroidism comes in the form of Graves’ disease.

In this disorder, the body makes an antibody (a protein produced by the body to protect against a virus or bacteria) called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) that causes the thyroid gland to make too much thyroid hormone. Graves’ disease is hereditary and seen more often in women than men.

Another cause of an overactive or hyper thyroid is thyroid nodules, which are lumps (that can be non-cancerous or cancerous) within the thyroid gland that cause an overproduction of thyroid hormones.

Thyroiditis, or inflammation of the thyroid gland, is another possible cause of hyperthyroidism. Thyroiditis is usually the result of an infection or immune system malfunction that causes the thyroid gland to leak excess hormones. It can also occur after child birth (it’s then called postpartum thyroiditis) or from taking the drugs interferon and amiodarone.

Another possible root issue is overconsumption of iodine, typically from supplements or from medications containing iodine, which may actually cause a goiter and exacerbate thyroid problems.

Other contributing factors or causes of hyperthyroidism may include:

• Leaky gut syndrome
• Toxicity
• Hormonal imbalances
• Food allergies

Diagnosis

Hyperthyroidism is known to mimic other health problems, which can make it difficult for your doctor to diagnose.

To make a diagnosis, your healthcare provider is likely to perform a physical examination as well as blood work to access your hormone levels, including your thyroid stimulating hormone (or TSH).

What is the TSH level for hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism TSH levels are typically lower than normal, while levels of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4 are higher than normal.

Your doctor may also request a thyroid scan to look at its shape and to see if there are any nodules present.

Conventional Treatment

There are many forms of conventional treatment for hyperthyroidism. Conventional treatments include the following:

• Hyperthyroidism medication (also called anti-thyroid drugs) such as methimazole (Tapazole) or propylthioracil (PTU), which stop the thyroid from making hormones.
• Radioactive iodine taken by mouth. The overactive thyroid cells absorb the radioactive iodine, which damages and shrinks the cells, which results in lowered hormone levels. This form of treatment typically permanently destroys the thyroid gland, requiring patients to take thyroid hormone drugs for the remainder of their lives.
• Beta blockers, which are drugs that block the action of thyroid hormones. Beta blockers won’t alter the levels of thyroid hormones, but they are said to help control overactive thyroid symptoms like rapid heartbeat, nervousness and shakiness.
• A thyroidectomy, which is surgery to remove the thyroid gland. After this surgery, patients must take thyroid supplements to keep hormone levels normal.

Hyperthyroidism Diet

1. Foods to Eat

When it comes to seeing improvements in thyroid function, the best place to start is by improving your diet with these helpful foods:

• Whole foods: In general, you want your diet to consist of whole healing foods like fresh vegetables, fruits and lean protein, rather than processed foods.
• Green juices: Fresh green juices from nutrient dense vegetables such as kale, spinach and spirulina can help provide vital nutrients.
• Anti-inflammatory herbs: Many herbs such as basil, rosemary and oregano can be anti-inflammatory and help improve thyroid function.
• Bone Broth: Bone broth supports detoxification and aids in healing of leaky gut issues that can make hyperthyroidism worse.

2. Foods to Avoid

• High iodine foods: Iodine-rich foods like kelp, dulse and other kinds of seaweed should be avoided. It’s also commonly recommended to avoid other sources of iodine such as iodized salt, seafood, multi-vitamins that include iodine, as well as many conventional cough syrups.
• Conventional dairy: People with thyroid problems may benefit from an A1 casein-free diet, since this protein found in dairy has been linked to increased inflammation in the thyroid gland and digestive tract.
• Gluten: A gluten-free diet can be beneficial for people with thyroid issues. Research has shown that a gluten-free diet can help autoimmune thyroid disease.
• Artificial flavorings or dyes: These can negatively influence thyroid function; therefore, it is best to avoid them.
• Sugar: By now you probably know sugar is bad for you. It suppresses immune function and contributes to autoimmune diseases.
• Packaged and processed foods: These goods have been linked to increased intestinal permeability (a leaky gut) and the occurrence of autoimmune disorders (Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder).

It’s generally a good idea to eliminate any suspected food allergens, such as dairy, gluten, soy, corn, preservatives and chemical food additives, since a food allergy can contribute to thyroid problems. You may want to consider being tested for food allergies if you haven’t already.

Natural Remedies

1. Bugleweed

Some sources report that bugleweed, a member of the mint family, can act as a thyroid suppressant and help to decrease the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. It’s recommended to take 2 mL three times daily.

2. L-carnitine

Research demonstrates that L-carnitine may help hyperthyroidism in some cases. L-carnitine is a derivative of the amino acid lysine. It’s believed to help reduce hyperthyroid symptoms by decreasing thyroid activity. It’s recommended to take 1,000 milligrams two to four times daily.

3. Lemon balm

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family. Lemon balm extract is a form of treatment that some natural health practitioners use when trying to regulate an overactive thyroid. Research suggests that lemon balm extract can stop the components that over-activate the thyroid from binding with the TSH receptor, specifically in patients with Graves’ disease.

Lemon balm can be taken as an extract. The recommendation is 2 mL three times daily. It can also be used in tea form to help normalize an overactive thyroid. To make a lemon balm tea, steep two tablespoons of lemon balm in one cup of boiling water, strain and allow to cool before consuming.

4. Exercise and General Stress Reduction

Stress can contribute to thyroid problems, so making sure to practice forms of relaxation, such as breathing exercises, regularly is very important. Exercise is another great way to destress, and it can also help to decrease an excessive appetite and increase energy levels.

5. Essential Oils for Hyperthyroidism

Certain essential oils like frankincense may be able to help with thyroid conditions, especially when inflammation is at the root — since its well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. One study published in the European Journal of Immunology demonstrates how the boswellic acids in frankincense can help to reduce Th17 cytokines, which are increased in patients with autoimmune thyroid disorders.

Complications and Precautions

What happens if hyperthyroidism is left untreated? If it’s not treated, it can cause serious health issues related to the heart, bones, muscles, menstrual cycle and fertility.

Hyperthyroidism causes the body to be in a constant state of overdrive, which can really affect the heart. Some possible heart-related complications of uncontrolled hyperthyroidism include:

• Hypertension
• Arrhythmia (abnormal heart beat, such as atrial fibrillation)
• Cardiac dilation (increase in the size of the heart cavities, which actually thins the heart muscle)
• Congestive heart failure
• Sudden cardiac arrest

Studies have also linked hyperthyroidism to an increased risk of developing osteoporosis, since this thyroid condition is known for causing a loss of bone mineral density.

Hyperthyroidism and pregnancy are a very concerning mix. Untreated hyperthyroidism in pregnancy can cause premature birth, low birthweight, preeclampsia or even miscarriage.

It’s very important that if you suspect you are having signs of an overactive thyroid, you see your doctor right away and have your thyroid hormone levels tested. Always check with your healthcare provider before using natural remedies for hyperthyroidism.

Final Thoughts

• Hyperthyroidism is overactivity of the thyroid gland, which means it makes and releases more hormones than your body needs. This can affect your body and how it functions in major ways.
• Low TSH levels with high levels of thyroid hormones T3 and T4 are common in cases of hyperthyroidism.
• Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include irritability, nervousness, muscle weakness, unexplained weight loss, sleep disturbances and more.
• Graves’ disease is the number one cause of hyperthyroidism. Other hyperthyroidism causes include thyroid nodules and thyroiditis. Leaky gut syndrome, toxicity, hormonal imbalances and food allergies can also contribute to an overactive thyroid.
• Natural remedies for hyperthyroidism include a whole foods-based diet free of processed foods, avoiding common food allergens and iodine sources, regular exercise and more.
• If you opt to take medication for hyperthyroidism, it’s important that you are aware of the side effects. Also, let your doctor know if you are interested in using any natural remedies for your condition to ensure you don’t have any drug interactions or unwanted side effects.

The post Hyperthyroidism Symptoms + Best Diet to Help Address appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Have you ever had a goiter (or goitre) or known someone who has? If you aren’t sure, the most noticeable sign of a goiter is a bulging in the bottom of the neck.

Small to moderate-sized goiters are actually relatively common in the U.S., and they can happen to people of all ages. For some people, they may even be present at birth. However, if you’re a woman or over 40, your chances are unfortunately even higher.

In general, thyroid conditions like goiters are becoming a more common health issue. Sometimes a goiter is just a temporary issue that goes away without any medical treatment. But other times, it can be an obvious sign that a more serious thyroid disease or disorder (also more broadly called an endocrine disorder) is present and needs to be dealt with right away.

Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of a goiter. Getting enough iodine from your diet on a regular basis is just one of the natural ways you can avoid a goiter. Let’s look at exactly what is a goiter, how can goiters be caused by or lead to other thyroid problems, and what is the best way to prevent and heal a thyroid goiter.

What Is a Goiter?

You might be familiar with a goiter as a bulge in the neck, but what exactly is a goiter? There are a few types of goiters (euthyroid goiter, simple goiter, sporadic goiter, endemic goiter, etc.) with various causes, but in general, a goiter is a swelling in the neck due to an enlarged thyroid gland. The size of the lump in the neck can be anywhere from one small nodule to a large, visible, multinodular goiter in the neck.

Goiters can arise when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) or when it produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism), but they can also occur when there is no malfunction of the gland (often called a “euthyroid goiter”).

Sometimes, though rarely, it is the result of the pituitary gland overstimulating the thyroid gland. Interestingly, many patients with Cushing’s syndrome, a disease commonly caused by the pituitary gland, often show a high prevalence of thyroid disorders as well.

No matter what, though, the presence of a goiter always means that there’s some condition present leading to abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland.

What is the thyroid gland? The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, right below the Adam’s apple (which tends to be more prominent in men, but women have one as well). It’s an essential hormonal gland that produces two types of hormones, called triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which help regulate blood circulation and metabolism, among other essential bodily functions.

Goiters may also occur with thyroid nodules, which are small lumps that can form on the thyroid gland. They may be solid or filled with fluid. Most of the time they are harmless, but sometimes they can cause hyperthyroidism or be malignant (cancerous). A goiter with several thyroid nodules is called a multinodular goiter.

Sometimes endocrine surgery is recommended to remove the thyroid gland if a thyroid nodule is causing hyperthyroidism, restricting breathing or swallowing, or if it is malignant.

Symptoms

Thyromegaly, more commonly known as a goiter, is an enlarged thyroid, but what are enlarged thyroid symptoms exactly? First off, not every goiter causes symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include:

• An enlarged thyroid gland, which results in a visible swelling at the base of your neck that may be especially obvious when you shave or put on makeup
• A tight feeling in your throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Coughing
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty breathing

In rare cases, a large goiter can put pressure on the windpipe (trachea) and food tube (esophagus). When a goiter is this large, it can become particularly hard to breathe when lying flat on one’s back. Swallowing can also be especially difficult with solid food, and there might even be pain the thyroid area.

A large goiter can also cause neck vein distention and dizziness when the arms are raised above the head.

Risk Factors

Some of the most common goiter risk factors are:

• Lack of dietary iodine — People who don’t get enough iodine in their diets are at greater risk for developing goiters.
• Being female — Since women are more prone to thyroid disorders, they’re also more likely to develop goiters.
• Age — Your chances of developing one increase with age, especially once you hit 40.
• Medical history — A personal or family history of autoimmune disease increases your risk.
• Pregnancy and menopause — For unclear reasons, thyroid problems are more likely to occur during pregnancy and menopause.
• Certain medications — Some medical treatments, including immunosuppressants, antiretrovirals, the heart drug amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone, others) and the psychiatric drug lithium (Lithobid, others), increase your risk.
• Radiation exposure — Your risk increases if you’ve had radiation treatments to your neck or chest area or you’ve been exposed to radiation in a nuclear facility, test or accident.

Causes

The causes of goiters differ between the three different types. With a simple goiter, the thyroid gland does not produce enough of the appropriate hormones to meet the needs of the body. Due to this shortage of hormones, the thyroid gland tries to compensate for this deficit by growing larger, resulting in a simple goiter.

An endemic goiter is caused by an an iodine deficiency. When iodine intake becomes severely low, the thyroid compensates for the decreased levels by developing a swollen thyroid gland, known as a goiter, in order to absorb as much available iodine. Iodine has been added to table salt (in the form of potassium iodide) since 1924. Originally, iodization of salt was adopted to reduce goiter occurrence.

Conventional medicine often says that sporadic goiters usually have no known cause. But for some people, certain drugs can lead to sporadic goiters. Lithium, which is used to treat certain mental health conditions and other medical conditions, is an example of a drug that can cause this type of goiter.

It’s also believed that eating really enormous amounts of goiter-promoting foods can cause a sporadic goiter. These foods include soybeans, rutabagas, cabbage, peaches, peanuts and spinach. The reason large amounts of these foods can be problematic to thyroid health is their ability to suppress the production of thyroid hormone by interfering with the thyroid’s ability to process iodide.

Other health conditions and diseases that have been linked to the development of goiters include Graves disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, other forms of thyroiditis and pregnancy. Exposure to radiation can also contribute to goiter formation.

Conventional Treatment

The conventional treatment for a thyroid goiter depends upon the symptoms, size and underlying cause of the goiter. Sometimes a doctor suggests simply keeping an eye on a goiter if the patient has a normally functioning thyroid otherwise and the goiter is small in size and not causing any other issues. This is the “watchful waiting” approach.

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is a common treatment for goiters that are caused by an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Levothyroxine (Levothroid®, Synthroid®) is often prescribed in cases of hypothyroidism while methimazole (Tapazole®) and propylthiouracil are commonly used for hyperthyroidism. If the doctor believes there is an inflammatory cause of your goiter, aspirin or a corticosteroid might be recommended.

Radioactive iodine is another conventional treatment that’s used for goiters when they involve an overactive thyroid gland. The way it works is that you actually take the radioactive iodine by mouth, and when it reaches your thyroid gland via the bloodstream, it destroys thyroid cells, which can make the goiter smaller in size. The problem with this line of treatment is that it can lead to the other side of the spectrum — an underactive thyroid gland and hypothyroidism.

Surgically removing all or part of your thyroid gland (total or partial thyroidectomy) may be the recommended treatment if your goiter is very large to the point of being uncomfortable or it causes difficulty breathing or swallowing. Surgery may also be recommended for a nodular goiter that causes hyperthyroidism.

Depending on how much of the thyroid is surgically removed, ongoing thyroid hormone replacement drugs like levothyroxine might be needed after surgery and likely for the rest of your life.

For a large multinodular goiter, a biopsy may be needed to rule out cancer.

Natural Remedies

1. Iodine

Nearly 74 percent of normal, “healthy” adults may not be consuming enough iodine. In the developed world, iodine deficiency is said to be four times greater than it was 40 years ago.

An iodine deficiency can result in an enlarged thyroid gland or goiter because the thyroid tries to trap as many iodine molecules as possible. If the cause of your goiter is an iodine deficiency, increasing your intake of iodine-rich foods can help. The FDA currently has set recommended daily allowance for iodine at 150 micrograms, which is efficient enough to eliminate goiters that are prevalent in iodine-deficient areas. Foods high in iodine include seaweed, yogurt, baked potatoes and cranberries.

You can also look into iodine supplements. Studies show that even small amounts of supplementary iodine (250 micrograms) cause slight but significant changes in thyroid hormone function in predisposed individuals.

On the other hand, excess iodine not being absorbed by the body can also cause a goiter on the thyroid. It’s uncommon, but if getting too much iodine is causing your goiter, you can also tweak your diet to help get your iodine levels back in a healthy place. Excess iodine might be the problem if you’re eating too much shellfish. You should also avoid salt fortified with iodine, seaweed and supplements containing iodine.

2. Address Nutritional Deficiencies

In addition to iodine, some other nutrient deficiencies have been linked to goiter development. Specifically, deficiencies in zinc, manganese and vitamin A, along with severe protein malnutrition, may contribute to an inability for your body to properly utilize the iodine you take in and therefore can also lead to goiter formation.

3. If Hypothyroidism Caused the Goiter, Make Dietary Changes

An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism is more common than hyperthyroidism. It can be found in about 5 percent of Americans while roughly 1 percent has hyperthyroidism.

If hypothyroidism is at the root of your goiter, there’s a lot you can do in terms of your diet and habits to treat your goiter and your underactive thyroid.

Some of the best foods to eat to improve an underactive thyroid include:

• Wild-caught fish like salmon and sardines
• Coconut oil
• Seaweeds like kelp, nori and dulse
• Probiotic-rich foods like kefir
• Clean water
• High-fiber foods
• Bone broth
• Fruits and vegetables

Foods to avoid to improve an underactive thyroid include:

• Goitrogen foods
• Tap water
• Conventional dairy
• Gluten
• Sugar
• Refined flour products
• Unfermented soy products like tofu and seitan

In terms of goitrogen foods, eating vegetables is generally very health-promoting, but when you have thyroid issues you should avoid large amounts of raw Brassica vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale and Brussels sprouts.

Why? Because they can negatively impact thyroid function due to their goitrogens, which are molecules that impair thyroid peroxidase. When consuming these cruciferous vegetables, it’s best to steam them well before consuming and keep portions moderate in size. This is an especially helpful tip for people who have iodine deficiencies.

4. If Hyperthyrodism Is at the Root of Your Goiter,

If an overactive thyroid is at the root of your goiter, examine natural ways to treat hyperthyroidism alongside common medical approaches. You should embark on a whole foods–based diet free of processed foods and avoid common food allergens like gluten and A1 casein (and getting tested for food allergies if you haven’t already).

There is some overlap between what to do and what not to do for both underactive and overactive thyroids, but it’s essential to know which one you are dealing with so you can use the proper natural treatment.

5. Consider Your Tea Intake

If you’re a lover of tea, you might want to consider cutting back if you have thyroid concerns. There are a lot of proven health benefits to black and green tea, but if you have thyroid issues, these teas’, especially green, high catechin content might possibly cause you trouble in very high amounts.

According to animal research, green tea extracts might have the potential to decrease thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) but increase thyroid-stimulating hormone. These are hormone effects that can contribute to or make hypothyroidism worse.

While moderate amounts of green tea might be OK, taking green tea supplements with a goiter and hypothyroidism might be particularly concerning. Speak with your doctor about your green tea intake, especially if you’re taking thyroid medication.

Complications and Precautions

In some cases, a toxic nodular goiter can develop from a simple goiter. This is mainly a disease of older adults. Risk factors for this toxic goiter include being female and over 55 years old. The majority of people who develop this have had a goiter with nodules for a number of years.

A goiter can also lead to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism if it’s not already being caused by one of these conditions. Hyperthyroidism can sometimes be caused by a nodular goiter, which causes the thyroid to produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormones.

You should always seek medical attention if you have any swelling in the front of your neck or if you experience any other symptoms. Sudden enlargement of a thyroid gland may indicate internal bleeding or the presence of an immune disorder, which requires immediate medical attention.

Progressive thyroid enlargement or the development of hardened nodules may indicate thyroid malignancy (cancer). If there is a single, dominant nodule or if a nodule is enlarging, a fine needle biopsy should be performed to rule out cancer. Be sure to consult with an endocrinologist, a doctor that specializes in endocrinology, or the study of the endocrine system.

Final Thoughts

• If you have a goiter (or goitre), it’s important to evaluate the health of your thyroid to get to the root of what’s causing your symptoms.
• No matter what, though, the presence of a goiter always means that there’s some condition present that’s leading to abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland.
• A goiter can be a visual display of a more serious underlying thyroid issue, like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
• Iodine is nutrient that is absolutely critical to healthy thyroid function.
• Through a healthy and complete diet that addresses any nutritional deficiencies, you can help to naturally improve your thyroid health.
• Since women are more prone to thyroid conditions, they are also more prone to goiters.
• Goiters can happen to anyone, but if you’re over the age of 40 then you’re even more at risk.
• Balancing your hormones is an excellent way to ward off thyroid problems, including goiters.
• Even though goiters are typically painless, don’t just ignore one and miss the opportunity for it to possibly reveal more about your current physical state and give you a chance to improve your thyroid as well as your overall health.

The post What Is a Goiter? Symptoms, Causes & Remedies appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Almost 5 percent of the U.S. population over the age of 12 has some form of hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid). Some estimates suggest up to 40 percent of the population suffers from at least some level of underactive thyroid.

Women — especially older women — are the most susceptible group for developing hypothyroidism. People who are elderly or who have other existing autoimmune diseases — like type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease, for example — are also at a higher risk.

Changes to your metabolism, heart function, digestion, energy, appetite, sleep or mood … even the growth of your hair, skin and nails … can all be caused by hypothyroidism.

However, a hypothyroidism diagnosis is not a death sentence! There are many ways to treat hypothyroidism naturally through a hypothyroidism diet plan and other natural remedies. Find out how to start your health transformation journey below.

What Is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive and doesn’t properly make or release thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland normally releases many crucial hormones that travel through the bloodstream to reach receptors found throughout the whole body. So a disturbance in thyroid function can cause widespread, noticeable health problems.

The thyroid is a small gland located on the base of your neck, sometimes described as butterfly-shaped. Meanwhile, at the base of the brain sits the pituitary gland, which secretes the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH makes the thyroid produce and release thyroxine, the main thyroid hormone.

The difference between hyperthyroidism vs hypothyroidism involves thyroid activity. While hypothyroidism mean an underactive thyroid, hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland becomes overactive.

Symptoms

The thyroid is considered a “master gland.” In addition to producing crucial hormones, it helps control the process of turning nutrients from food into usable energy on which the body runs. Because the thyroid plays such a major part in your metabolism, dysfunction can affect almost every part of the body, including your energy levels and ability to burn calories.

Key hormones produced by the thyroid also help the liver break down cholesterol that circulates through the bloodstream. The thyroid can also stimulate enzymes that are needed to control triglyceride fat levels; this is why changes in thyroid function cause lead to heart problems.

Other noticeable effects of hypothyroidism include moodiness and a sluggish metabolism. Essentially, when your thyroid is underactive, your metabolism will slow down, which might mean you always feel tired or struggle to keep off weight.

Your mood is especially susceptible to changes in hormone levels, so some people with hypothyroidism deal with depression, anxiety, trouble getting good sleep and low immunity. The thyroid gland helps regulate chemical messengers called neurotransmitters, which control your emotions and nerve signaling. This is the reason an out-of-balance thyroid can mean drastic emotional changes at times.

Some of the most common warning signs of hypothyroidism include:

• Fatigue
• Depression and anxiety
• Weight gain
• Infertility
• Goiter (nodules at the base of the neck, sometimes accompanied by tightness in the throat, coughing or swelling)
• Feeling cold
• Constipation
• Muscle aches and tenderness
• Kidney problems
• Stiffness and swelling in the joints
• Hair loss
• Rough, cracked skin
• Trouble breathing
• Changes in the menstrual cycle
• More frequent cold or flu due to low immune function

To find out if you have hypothyroidism, your doctor will run blood tests to check for levels of the hormones known as T4 (thyroxine) and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). Hypothyroidism is diagnosed in your thyroid test when TSH is high. Sometimes, TSH can be high, but the thyroid is still producing enough hormones. This condition is referred to as subclinical (or mild) hypothyroidism.

Mild hypothyroidism is usually the early stage. It can progress to hypothyroidism if a hypothyroidism diet isn’t adopted and lifestyle changes aren’t made. When the condition isn’t corrected, more severe autoimmune reactions can occur — this can cause worsened problems like impaired brain function, infertility, unhealthy pregnancy, obesity, heart complications and joint pain.

Another symptom to be aware of is thyroid nodules, a buildup of cells within the thyroid, creating an abnormal lump. Most thyroid nodules aren’t dangerous. But some of them become cancerous over time. If your physician suspects you have thyroid nodules, he or she should have them evaluated to check for cancer cells.

For patients with thyroid cancers, a common conventional treatment method is known as radioiodine, or radioactive iodine. Because the thyroid absorbs most of your body’s iron content, this concentrated radiation is supposed to successfully kill most of the diseased thyroid cells without damaging cells throughout the rest of the body.

Complications of an Underactive Thyroid

In some cases, people with an extremely underactive thyroid may fall into what is known as a myxedema coma, characterized by declining mental status, hypothermia and the slowing of many internal organs. If you or someone you know has severe thyroid problems and begins to show major lethargy or stupor, seek emergency medical attention at once.

Myxedema comas are rare and occur most often in the elderly and women, especially in the winter months. Generally, it is the result of undiagnosed and/or untreated hypothyroidism and can be fatal if left untreated.

Hypothyroidism is very prevalent in kidney disease patients, in turns out. In a Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity study, evidence suggested that hypothyroidism was a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD), CKD progression and even higher death risk in kidney disease.

Related: Why Am I Always Cold? Causes + How to Fix It

Potential Causes

1. Inflammatory disorders of the thyroid

The most common cause of hypothyroidism in developed nations is a condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This is an autoimmune endocrine disorder that occurs when the thyroid becomes inflamed. When someone has Hashimoto’s, their own body essentially begins to attack itself by producing antibodies that try to destroy the thyroid gland.

Why does this happen? The immune system mistakenly thinks that the thyroid cells are not a part of the body, so it tries to remove them before they can cause damage and illness. The problem is that this causes widespread inflammation, which can result in many different problems. According to Dr. Datis Kharrazian, 90 percent of people with hypothyroidism have Hashimoto’s that inflames the thyroid gland over time, but this isn’t the only cause of hypothyroidism.

2. Poor diet (especially one lacking in iodine and selenium)

A diet low in nutrient-rich foods, especially in iodine and selenium (which are trace minerals crucial for thyroid function), increases the risk for hypothyroid disorders. The thyroid gland needs both selenium and iodine to produce adequate levels of thyroid hormones.

These nutrients also play other protective roles in the body. For example, severe selenium deficiency increases the incidence of thyroiditis because it stops activity of a very powerful antioxidant known as glutathione, which normally controls inflammation and fights oxidative stress. Getting on track with a hypothyroidism diet ensures that you get the appropriate amounts of selenium and iodine in your diet.

3. Hormone imbalances

In some rare cases, because the pituitary gland makes a hormone called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) — which controls the levels of hormones being pumped out of the thyroid — a problem with the pituitary gland can cause changes to thyroid function.

4. Gut inflammation (leaky gut syndrome)

An unhealthy gut environment can contribute to nutrient deficiencies and raise autoimmune activity in the body. Food sensitivities or allergies, including those to gluten and dairy, can trigger gut inflammation. Other causes of a damaged gut are high stress levels, toxin overload from diet and the environment and bacterial imbalances.

When leaky gut occurs, small particles that are normally trapped inside the gut start to leak out into the bloodstream through tiny openings in the gut lining, which creates an autoimmune cascade and a series of negative symptoms.

5. Genetics

Although it’s not very common, newborns are sometimes born with a dysfunction of the thyroid gland, a genetic condition called congenital hypothyroidism. Some evidence shows that people are more likely to develop hypothyroidism if they have a close family member with an autoimmune disease.

But according to the National Institute of Health (NIH), the likelihood of congenital hypothyroidism is very low and only about 1 out of every 4,000 newborns is born with a thyroid disorder.

6. Pregnancy

During or following pregnancy, although it’s not exactly known why, some women begin to produce very high levels of thyroid hormones, followed by a very rapid decline. This condition is known as postpartum thyroiditis. The symptoms often disappear within 12–18 months but can also lead to permanent hypothyroidism.

7. Interactions of certain medications

Specific medications seem to lead frequently to the development of underactive thyroid. The most common of these include drugs to treat cancer, heart problems and certain psychiatric conditions.

8. High levels of emotional stress

Stress impacts hormones and is known to worsen inflammation. Stress can raise levels of cortisol and adrenaline, which disturbs neurotransmitter function and worsens symptoms of thyroid disease. These include low energy levels, poor mood, low concentration, disturbed appetite and weight gain and the inability to get restful sleep.

9. Inactivity and lack of exercise

Exercise and a healthy diet are important for controlling chronic stress and managing hormone-related neurological function. Research shows that people who regularly exercise usually get better sleep, deal with stress better and more often maintain a healthier weight, all of which reduce some of the biggest risk factors and symptoms associated with hypothyroidism.

Diagnosis

How is hyp0thyroidism diagnosed? Usually a physical exam along with a review of your medical history by a health professional can help determine if you have hypothyroidism.

The health professional will look for such symptoms as eye changes, overactive reflexes, a tremor in the fingers when extended, and even warm, sweaty skin. Also, the thyroid gland will also be observed while swallowing to determine if it’s enlarged, tender or even bumpy. Your pulse may also be rapid or irregular, another potential symptom.

Blood tests are also take that measure thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone. An overactive thyroid typically reveals high levels of thyroxine and very low levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone.

If these blood tests show potential hypothyroidism, a radioiodine update test is usually recommended. It will help determine if your thyroid is overproducing thyroxine, or even thyroiditis. A thyroid scan and ultrasound may also be prescribed.

Conventional Treatment

Conventional treatment options for hypothyroidism are most pharmaceutical. Antithyroid drugs methimazole (Tapazole) or propylthiouracil (PTU) are commonly prescribed, as these medications help block your thyroid’s ability to make hormones.

Radioactive iodine is also sometimes prescribed. An oral medication that is absorbed by your overactive thyroid cells, it damages these cells and reduced the size of your thyroid while thyroid hormone levels slowly decrease. This can functionally eliminate the thyroid and thus stop hypothyroidism. If you receive this treatment, you will need to take thyroid hormone drugs in order to maintain normal hormone levels.

Beta blockers can also be used to stop the impact of thyroid hormones on the body and help control symptoms. Because they don’t alter hormone levels, they’re often paired with other options to treat hypothyroidism.

Removing your thyroid though surgery, or a thyroidectomy, is also an option. It would also mean thyroid supplements for the rest of your life to keep hormone levels normal.

The risks of side effects to these treatments is significant, so it’s critical to talk to your healthcare provider and keep a close eye on your symptoms. Meanwhile, following a hypothyroidism diet can also help to alleviate symptoms.

Hypothyroidism Diet Plan

1. Best foods

What foods are good for an underactive thyroid? Here are the top foods for a hypothyroidism diet to start the healing process:

• Wild-caught fish: It provides the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, essential for hormone balance and thyroid function.
• Coconut oil: This provides medium-chain fatty acids in the form of caprylic acid, lauric acid and capric acid, which support a healthy metabolism, increase energy and fight fatigue.
• Seaweed: Good seaweeds are some of the best natural sources of iodine and help prevent deficiencies that disturb thyroid function.
• Probiotic-rich foods: These include kefir (a fermented dairy product), organic goat’s milk yogurt, kimchi, kombucha, natto, sauerkraut and other fermented veggies.
• Sprouted seeds: Flax, hemp and chia seeds provide ALA, a type of omega-3 fat that’s critical for proper hormonal balance and thyroid function.
• Clean water: Water helps with hydration and digestive function while preventing fatigue and moodiness. For prevention of constipation, low energy and sugar cravings, drink at least eight ounces every two hours.
• High-fiber foods: People with hypothyroidism may have digestive difficulties, so aim for 30–40 grams of fiber daily. Not only does a high-fiber diet help with digestive health, it also improves heart health, balances blood sugar levels and supports a healthy weight by making you feel fuller.
• Bone broth: Beef and chicken bone broth contain the amino acids L-proline and L-glycine, which can help repair the digestive lining and improve hypothyroidism.
• Fruits and vegetables: These are high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are necessary for combating free-radical damage and lowering inflammation. They are nutrient-dense and should make up a large portion of a healthy diet since they support digestive health, brain function, heart health, hormone balance and a healthy weight.

2. Worst foods

These are foods that should not appear in your hypothyroidism diet:

• Goitrogen foods: People with hypothyroidism may want to stay away from eating large amounts of raw Brassica vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, soy and Brussels sprouts. These vegetables might impact thyroid function because they contain goitrogens, molecules which impair thyroid perioxidase.
• Tap water: Most tap water contains fluorine (an endocrine disruptor) and chlorine that inhibit iodine absorption.
• Gluten: Many people with thyroid issues are also sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease, an autoimmune disease that results in an allergy to gluten. Gluten is found in all wheat, rye and barley products. Carefully check ingredient labels to avoid hidden gluten that is lurking in many packaged foods.
• Conventional dairy: Like gluten, dairy can be especially problematic for the thyroid, triggering reactions that raise inflammatory responses.  Avoid conventional cow’s milk dairy products that are not organic and have been pasteurized.  Consumption of organic, raw goat’s milk or organic A2 cow’s milk is a better choice.
• Sugar: Sugar can disrupt the hormone balance necessary for metabolism. People with thyroid issues have a difficult time losing weight. Because the thyroid is a key gland for hormonal balance and metabolism, it’s best to avoid sugar as it can contribute to hormonal disturbances, fatigue, mood changes, worsened depression and weight gain.
• Refined flour products: Any food made with refined carbohydrates, like enriched wheat flour, for example, negatively impacts hormone levels and can contribute to weight gain.

3. Consider taking these supplements

Ashwagandha (500 milligrams daily)

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen herb that helps the body respond to stress, keeping hormone levels better in balance. Adaptogens helps lower cortisol and balance T4 levels. In fact, in clinical trials, supplementing with ashwagandha for eight weeks essentially worked as thyroxine treatment, helping hypothyroidism patients significantly increase thyroxine hormone levels and thus reduce the severity of the disorder. Also, try other adaptogen herbs like rhodiola, licorice root, ginseng and holy basil, which have similar benefits.

Iodine (150–300 micrograms daily)

Studies show that even small amounts of supplementary iodine (250 micrograms) cause slight but significant changes in thyroid hormone function in predisposed individuals. A diet rich in whole foods that contain iodine — including fish, sea vegetables, eggs, raw dairy and seaweed — can help prevent deficiency.

Iodine supplements should not be taken with Hashimoto’s disease because getting too much iodine over the longterm increases the risk of developing an overactive thyroid. While it’s nearly impossible to get too much from eating a variety of healthy foods alone, sometimes people taking supplements or eating very high amounts of dried algae and seaweed can exceed the recommended upper limit of 500 milligrams per day.

Selenium (200 micrograms daily)

The thyroid is the organ with the highest selenium content in the whole body. Selenium is necessary for the production of the T3 thyroid hormone and can reduce autoimmune affects. In patients with Hashimoto’s disease and in pregnant women with thyroid disturbances, selenium supplementation decreases anti-thyroid antibody levels and improves the structure of the thyroid gland.

Because it helps balance hormone levels, selenium can lower the risk for experiencing thyroid disorder during pregnancy (postpartum thyroiditis) and afterward. Other studies have shown that when selenium deficiency is resolved through supplementation, patients experience on average 40 percent reduction in thyroid antibodies compared to a 10 percent increase when given a placebo.

L-tyrosine (500 milligrams twice daily)

An amino acid used in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, thyroxin (T4) is naturally produced from the iodination of tyrosine, a nonessential amino acid obtained both from protein-containing dietary sources and through the body making some itself.

Supplementing with L-tyrosine has been shown to improve sleep deprivation and can help combat fatigue and a poor mood by improving alertness and neurotransmitter function. One reason L-tyrosine is beneficial in healing thyroid symptoms is because it plays a role in the production of melatonin, dopamine and/or norepinephrine, which are our natural “feel good” hormones.

Fish oil (1,000 milligrams daily)

Essential fatty acids found in fish oil are critical for brain and thyroid function. DHA and EPA omega-3s found in fish oil are associated with a lower risk for thyroid symptoms, including anxiety, depression, high cholesterol, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, diabetes, a weakened immune system and heightened autoimmune disease. Omega-3 fish oil supplements can also help balance levels of omega-6s in the diet, which is important for ongoing health.

Vitamin B-Complex (one B-complex capsule daily)

Vitamin B12 and thiamine are important for neurologic function and hormonal balance. Research shows that supplementing with thiamine can help combat symptoms of autoimmune disease, including chronic fatigue. In one clinical study, when patients with Hashimoto’s were given 600 milligrams per day of thiamine, the majority experienced complete regression of fatigue within a few hours or days.

Vitamin B12 is another important nutrient for fighting fatigue because it benefits the central nervous system in many important ways: maintaining the health of nerve cells (including neurotransmitters), protecting the covering of nerves called the cell’s myelin sheath, and turning nutrients from food into usable energy for the brain and body.

Probiotic Supplement (50 billion CFU per serving)

Probiotics can help heal the gut and aid in nutrient absorption while reducing inflammation. Other benefits of a high-quality probiotic include helping to maintain a stronger immune system; increasing energy from production of vitamin B12; reducing bacterial or viral growth in the gut such as candida; improving skin health and helping with appetite control and weight loss.

Final Thoughts

• Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive and doesn’t properly make or release thyroid hormones.
• There is no cure for a hypothyroidism diagnosis, but there may be ways to naturally increase thyroid hormone production through dietary means.
• When your thyroid is underactive, your metabolism will slow down, which might mean you always feel tired or struggle to keep off weight.
• The hypothyroidism diet eliminates foods that can cause inflammation and immune reactions and instead focuses on foods that help heal the GI tract, balance hormones and reduce inflammation.

The post Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid) Symptoms, Causes & Best Diet appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Because the thyroid gland serves as the body’s thermostat — continuously regulating things like temperature, hunger levels and energy expenditure — symptoms of thyroid problems can affect nearly the whole body.

Experts estimate there are roughly 20 million Americans suffering from some type of thyroid disorder (mostly hypothyroidism/underactive thyroid and, to a lesser extend, hyperthyroidism). Surprisingly, it’s thought that more than half of those (60 percent) with thyroid symptoms, such as weight gain or fatigue, are completely unaware of the root cause of their problems.

Are you currently one of them, and if so, what can you do to protect your condition from worsening? Below you’ll learn about natural remedies for thyroid disease or other thyroid problems, including the types of foods that keep symptoms under control, ways to manage stress and supplements that might help reverse the condition.

What Is Your Thyroid?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in your throat, just behind your Adam’s apple.

The thyroid gland controls many aspects of metabolism, including regulating the production of various hormones that enable the body to carry out vital functions — such as digestion and reproduction, for example.

Thyroid stimulating hormone is produced by the pituitary gland in order to regulate the production of hormones released by the thyroid. Sometimes the thyroid winds up pumping out either too much or too little of certain hormones. Either scenario is problematic for things like body weight regulation and mood stabilization.

Two of the most important thyroid hormones are T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). These two hormones, once released, travel through the body via the bloodstream, converting oxygen and calories into energy. This energy is crucial for cognitive functions, mood regulation, digestive processes, a healthy sex drive and much more.

Most Common Thyroid Problems

Thyroid disorders and thyroid disease can have a negative impact on just about every area of your life. From weight issues to depression and/or anxiety, the thyroid gland is vital to keeping your physical, mental and emotional life in balance.

What are the types of thyroid problems a person can experience?

There are two main categories of thyroid problems: hypothyroidism (an under-active thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid).

While there are other thyroid issues as well, the majority of cases fall into one of these two categories.

Hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid):

Hypothyroidism is by far the more common type of thyroid problem. Most people with hypothyroidism are women, especially those who are of reproductive age or middle-aged. Most women are diagnosed between the ages of 30 to 50 years.

In the case of hypothyroidism, your body literally slows down. This is why symptoms like weight gain, brain fog and sluggishness are common.

These occur due to the thyroid not producing enough of the thyroid hormones T3 or T4 (or both). It can also cause elevated thyroid stimulating hormone levels.

Hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid):

Hyperthyroidism causes the opposite effect of hypothyroidism. It almost speeds up one’s metabolism, to the point that the heart may beat faster and the person may have a hard time eating properly or keeping enough weight on.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the body has too much of the needed thyroid hormones.

Enlarged thyroid/goiter:

Another condition is an enlarged thyroid, also called a goiter, that develops in the neck, which is usually caused by a lack of iodine in someone’s diet. (Iodine is needed to support thyroid function.) In countries where iodized salt is common, goiters are rare, however they can develop when someone doesn’t eat a balanced diet for an extended period of time.

There are different types of goiters that can develop, including lithium-induced goiter, nontoxic goiter and toxic nodular goiter.

Symptoms of Thyroid Problems

The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism are: 

• Persistent fatigue (aka adrenal fatigue), lethargy, and sometimes depression or low motivation to exercise
• Moodiness and sometimes anxiety
• Intolerance to cold and frequently feeling chilly
• Dry skin and hair — skin might feel cool to the touch and the toes/fingers might look a blue/purple color in some cases
• Brain fog, trouble concentrating and forgetfulness
• A hoarse voice
• Unexplainable weight gain
• Constipation, bloating and other digestive issues
• Muscle weakness, sometimes aches or pains, and other discomforts

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism commonly include:

• Nervousness or symptoms of anxiety
• Insomnia and sleep troubles
• Racing heart rate
• Eyes that appear large and sometimes bulge
• Unexplained weight loss
• High amounts of perspiration
• Muscle weakness
• Multiple bowel movements
• Thin, brittle hair

What are early warning signs of thyroid problems?

When the gland first becomes dysfunctional, symptoms might include:

• Dry skin
• Fatigue and lack of focus
• Feeling cold
• Constipation
• Weight gain
• Puffy, swollen-looking face
• Muscle weakness and trouble exercising

What are the symptoms of thyroid problems in females?

As many as one in eight women in the United States may be impacted by a thyroid disorder at some point during her lifetime. Symptoms can include:

• Thinning hair
• Loss of breast tenderness
• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Low libido
• Cold body temperature
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Infertility

What symptoms does thyroid cancer cause?

Some signs of cancer potentially developing in the gland can include:

• A lump (nodule) that can be felt on the neck
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing and breathing normally
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Pain in the neck and throat
• Persistent cough

Causes

What causes thyroid problems? It depends on the specific problem.

There are many factors that can contribute to thyroid problems, ranging from genetics to poor lifestyle habits — like skipping sleep, exercising too much or too little, and eating too many inflammatory foods.

Causes of Hypothyroidism:

In the U.S., by far the most common reason for hypothyroidism is a condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, where the body mistakenly attacks the thyroid and destroys cells, thus compromising its functioning. It’s also sometimes called chronic autoimmune thyroiditis and chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis.

Hashimoto’s is a type of autoimmune disorder. It takes place due to an autoimmune response (the body attacking its own tissue with T and B cells), interfering with normal production of hormones. It affects women seven to 10 times more often than men due to chromosomal susceptibilities.

Causes of Hashimoto’s disease can include high amounts of stress, nutrient deficiencies (such as low iodine), low immune function (immunosuppression) and toxicity. However, on a worldwide level, an iodine deficiency in the diet is the No. 1 cause of hypothyroidism.

Causes of Hyperthyroidism:

The prevalence of hyperthyroidism in the U.S. is approximately 1.2% of adults. The No. 1 cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, but lumps on the thyroid (having a goiter) or taking too much T4 in tablet form can also contribute to hyperthyroidism. The underlying cause is excess production of thyroid hormone.

Nutrient Deficiencies:

Several nutrients, such as iodine and selenium, play an important yet often overlooked role in regard to the thyroid functioning properly. Iodine and amino acids (the “building blocks” of proteins) are converted by the thyroid to the hormones T3 and T4.

Research shows that some of the most significant known risk factors for thyroid problems include:

• Deficiencies in three important nutrients that support healthy thyroid function — iodine, selenium and zinc deficiency
• Poor diet high in processed foods with things like sugar or unhealthy fats. Too much caffeine and/or alcohol can also contribute to emotional stress and poor gut health.

Either too much or too little iodine can disrupt thyroid function. The same can happen when someone lacks B vitamins, zinc and other minerals, including electrolytes.

Additionally, problems absorbing and converting nutrients from the diet can make matters worse. Leaky gut syndrome (also referred to as intestinal permeability) is one contributing cause to symptoms of thyroid problems since it raises inflammation levels and interferes with certain metabolic processes.

Stress:

Emotional stress, anxiety, fatigue and depression can interfere with normal adrenal functioning and wear down the entire immune system and endocrine system. Lack of sleep and overexercising are other causes of stress.

Poor Gut Health:

Some thyroid symptoms can be related to leaky gut syndrome, which triggers inflammation. This impairs normal nutrient absorption, can lead to autoimmune reactions, can reduce oxygen reaching the organs and causes less blood flow through the gastrointestinal tract.

It may also interfere with enzyme production, which makes it harder to digest certain things (especially grains, dairy and fats).

Other Risk Factors (Inactivity, Genetics, Toxin Exposure):

A lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle may contribute to overall poor health and hormonal imbalances.

Reactions to some immunosuppressive medications can also impact the thyroid and adrenals. So can toxicity due to chemical exposure or contact with other environmental pollutants.

Other potential causes include genetic factors (research shows that thyroid problems tend to run in families), pregnancy, or in the case of infants or young children, a genetic pituitary disorder, defective thyroid or lack of the gland entirely.

Natural Treatments and Prevention

Because the two main types of thyroid problems, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, are basically the opposite problems, treatment for each condition is very different.

In one case we want more of the thyroid hormones, and in the other case the sufferer needs less of that same hormone. Therefore it’s important to find the root causes of someone’s symptoms and tailor treatment accordingly.

Here’s how thyroid problems are usually treated with conventional medicine:

• When it comes to hypothyroidism, the body is in need of more thyroid hormones. One common treatment in the medical world is taking synthetic thyroxine or T4. There are a number of types of T4 prescription available. Most people respond to this therapy, but there are also those who don’t. In these cases the sufferer sometimes takes a combination of the synthetic version of T4 and T3 to help.
• In the case of hyperthyroidism, the most common treatment in the U.S. is the use of radioactive iodine, aka radioiodine. Anti-thyroid medications are used to reduce and normalize thyroid function. This treatment usually takes a few weeks or months to curb the hyperthyroidism.
• Other options are drugs that stop the production of the thyroid hormone or surgery to remove a large amount of the actual thyroid gland. All of these treatments run the risk of side effects, are costly and aren’t always effective.

Natural Treatments:

1. Get Enough Iodine, Selenium, Zinc

Many (but not all) patients with hypothyroid diseases are deficient in iodine — most cases of hypothyroidism worldwide are from a lack of iodine — therefore increasing your iodine intake can likely help.

Iodine is a key mineral for helping convert and release thyroid hormone, yet iodine-rich foods (like seaweed) are limited in the typical Western diet.

Other than consuming sea veggies like dulse or kelp, you can obtain iodine from foods like raw dairy, certain wild-caught fish, like tuna, and some fermented grains. You might also benefit from iodine supplements in low doses (usually best when being monitored for side effects).

Too much iodine (such as taking high doses of supplements) actually aggravates thyroid disorder symptoms, so follow dosage directions, and seek your doctor’s advice if you’re unsure.

Selenium helps balance levels of T4 hormones, so try to eat plenty foods high in selenium like Brazil nuts, spinach, yellowfin tuna, halibut, canned sardines, grass-fed beef, turkey and beef liver. Those with celiac disease or autoimmune disorders may be most deficient in selenium, so a supplement might be necessary in these cases.

Similarly, the mineral zinc and also B vitamins (especially vitamin B12) are needed for endocrine health and may be missing in your diet, especially if you rarely consume animal foods. The best sources are usually animal proteins (beef, turkey, eggs, etc.), plus plants like green peas, asparagus, chickpeas, cocoa, Brussels sprouts, sesame seeds, flaxseeds, nuts like pistachios and mushrooms.

2. Manage Stress and Rest Enough

When you’re under a good deal of either physical or emotional stress — such as feeling very anxious, overworked, fatigued, angry or going through a traumatic experience — your body may remain in a “fight-or-flight” mode where stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol are elevated.

This has negative effects like narrowing of blood vessels, increased muscular tension and blood pressure, and release of inflammatory proteins and antibodies that can suppress immune function and damage the adrenal/thyroid glands. This is one reason why people with thyroid problems often experience hormonal changes related to lowered libido, fertility problems, mood swings and so on.

To keep the endocrine glands from becoming overloaded, it’s important to take stress seriously and tackle the root causes of mental strain.

Employ multiple methods to handle stress like utilizing these natural stress relievers:

• getting seven to nine hours of sleep every night
• meditation
• exercising
• journaling
• joining a faith community or support group
• dealing with addictions
• scheduling time to do fun things with supportive people

3. Reduce Toxicity

Ingesting chemical toxins — from things like medications, hormonal birth control or other hormone replacements, and commercial beauty or cleaning products — can contribute to inflammatory reactions.

Use natural products at home on your body, decrease intake of any unnecessary medications, clean up your diet and quit smoking.

Hormone conditions can also possibly be caused from heavy metal toxicity like mercury. Heavy metals from amalgam fillings have an affinity for the thyroid and can disrupt your hormone balance and thyroid function.

4. Supplement When Necessary to Reduce Inflammation

In addition to eating foods that provide anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids — like wild-caught fish, flaxseeds and walnuts — it’s wise to consider a supplement as well.

Probiotics are also very beneficial for dealing with poor gut health and improving immunity. Both may help stabilize your mood and support adrenal/thyroid functions.

Probiotics, “good bacteria” that reside in your gut and communicate with your brain about the body’s overall state of health, can be found in foods like fermented dairy (yogurt or kefir), cultured veggies and also supplements.

Finally, taking adaptogen herbs can also help your body battle the negative effects of stress by supporting the adrenals and balancing hormones. These include ashwagandha, tulsi, ginseng, licorice root and rhodiola.

When to See a Doctor

Some symptoms of thyroid problems, like fatigue, muscular pains, mood changes and depression, can also be caused by various other disorders, so it’s best to find a doctor who can help review your health information. Once you confirm you have a thyroid disorder, such as by having a blood test done, you can begin to explore your treatment options.

If you (and your doctor) determine a lack of iodine could be the entire cause or a contributing factor to your hypothyroidism, consider adding kelp to your diet.

It’s also critical to stop taking supplements and get a professional opinion if your symptoms get worse, because this may mean you’re treating one type of thyroid problem (hypothyroidism caused by low iodine and other nutrients, for example) when you really need to be treating another (hyperthyroidism).

Also consider visiting a health care provider if you have a family history of thyroid cancer and start to notice symptoms indicating a change in hormone production.

Conclusion

• The thyroid gland serves as the body’s “thermostat,” helping continuously regulate things like temperature, hunger levels, sex drive, mood and energy expenditure through the release of certain hormones.
• The two most common thyroid problems are hypothyroidism (often tied to Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune disease) and hyperthyroidism. Women are affected much more often, especially with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• How do you feel when you have thyroid problems? You might experience issues such as weight changes, anxiety, low energy, thinning hair, a slowed heart rate, trouble sleeping, and changes in libido, fertility and digestion.
• Natural remedies include improving your diet, reversing deficiencies, reducing stress, staying active and avoiding toxicity/chemical exposure.

The post Symptoms of Thyroid Problems & Remedies That Help appeared first on Dr. Axe.

The hypothalamus is an essential part of the human brain and is often considered the “control center” for most hormones. Its working relationship with the pituitary gland as well as the adrenal glands affects our nervous systems as well as our endocrine systems.

What does the hypothalamus do exactly? For starters, it plays a part in our calorie intake, weight regulation and body heat. I’m sure you’re starting to get the picture that, even if you weren’t already familiar with hypothalamus function, it clearly is important to human existence.

The hypothalamus is located deep within the brain, just above the base of the skull. Its main general function is to regulate homeostasis of our bodies.

In other words, it helps keep the human body in a constant, steady state. When the hypothalamus doesn’t function properly, this throws off the functioning of the pituitary gland, which controls the adrenals, ovaries, testes and thyroid gland. So when hypothalamus function isn’t right, there are a lot of other things affected that are all vital to good health.

Recent research even shows that many aspects of aging are controlled by the hypothalamus. Studies give hope to the possibility that we may be able to change signaling within the hypothalamus to slow down the aging process and increase longevity.

Let’s take a look at exactly when and how this part of the brain can affect our health and how we can naturally boost the function of this underrated gland.

What Is the Hypothalamus?

The hypothalamus is a small structure in your brain that’s about the size of an almond. If you’re familiar with brain anatomy, the hypothalamus is located underneath the thalamus, and it descends from the brain into the pituitary stalk, which connects to your pituitary gland.

The hypothalamus coordinates activity of the autonomic nervous system and also plays a significant role in the function of the endocrine system due to its complex relationship with the pituitary gland.

It contains specialized nuclei designed to do specific work, such as maintaining many basic physiological functions, including body temperature, blood pressure, fluid and electrolyte balance, and the regulation of digestion.

How exactly does the hypothalamus function in our bodies? It links our endocrine and nervous systems together, and the pituitary gland receives signals from the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland are connected by both nervous and chemical pathways, and the hypothalamus produces and secretes neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and several neurohormones.

Hypothalamus Hormones

The hypothalamus produces hormones that travel down through the pituitary stalk to the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, where these hormones are released directly into the bloodstream.

Vital hormones produced in the hypothalamus include:

• Anti-diuretic hormone
• Oxytocin
• Corticotropin-releasing hormone
• Dopamine
• Growth hormone-releasing hormone
• Somatostatin
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone
• Thyrotropin-releasing hormone

The hypothalamus is also vital to proper thyroid function and health. The primary hormones that are produced by the thyroid are called T4 and T3. Their production depends on the hypothalamus accurately sensing the need for more thyroid hormone in the bloodstream and signaling the pituitary gland to then release more.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone is normally released by the pituitary gland in response to changing levels of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream, but if you have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease, this system fails.

Overall, the hypothalamus produces hormones that control:

• Body temperature
• Heart rate
• Hunger
• Mood
• Release of hormones from many glands, especially the pituitary gland
• Sex drive
• Sleep
• Thirst

The hypothalamus also helps regulate appetite and weight, salt and water balance, emotions, growth, child birth, and milk production. As you can tell, this part of the brain is essential to some truly pivotal life variables and events.

Disorders

Surgery, traumatic brain injury, radiation and tumors are the most common causes of hypothalamus malfunction. There are also a number of other possible roots of a hypothalamus disorder, including:

• Malnutrition
• Infections and inflammation
• Head trauma
• Bleeding
• Eating disorders, like anorexia and bulimia
• Genetic disorders that cause bodily iron buildup

How can you know if you have something wrong with your hypothalamus? There are various symptoms depending on the root cause, but some of the most common signs of an unhealthy hypothalamus include a slow heart rate, increased appetite and rapid weight gain. Extreme thirst and frequent urination may also be signs of a hypothalamus problem as well as diabetes insipidus.

Some disorders that are associated with hypothalamus malfunction include but are not limited to:

1. Obesity

Multiple studies have linked hypothalamus malfunction with obesity, an extreme excess of body weight. This isn’t surprising since we know that the hypothalamus plays a huge role in metabolism and energy expenditure. The term “hypothalamic obesity” describes intractable weight gain after damage to the hypothalamus.

Unfortunately, hypothalamic obesity can be a complication for some brain tumor survivors, especially if they received their diagnoses as children. Research shows that an estimated third of all craniopharyngioma survivors develop severe obesity after diagnosis and treatment.

2. Adrenal Insufficiency

Low adrenal function or adrenal insufficiency is associated with hypothalamus malfunction. The hypothalamus is a part of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and plays a significant part in adrenal insufficiency.

Under ideal circumstances, the hypothalamus sends the pituitary gland “releasing hormones” in order to control sex hormone production, thyroid and adrenal functions. The pituitary gland then has the job of communicating with the adrenals, sending it the stimulating hormone called adrenocorticotropin that’s meant to prompt adrenal hormone production.

Usually, the adrenals do their job, making proper levels of cortisol and other hormones, and the pituitary gland and hypothalamus get the message — but in people with adrenal insufficiency, all of the communication lines are thrown off. Low adrenal function symptoms may include dizziness or weakness.

3. Cluster Headaches

Recent studies have shown that the hypothalamus is stimulated during a cluster headache attack. A 2013 study conducted in China detected significant increases of functional correlation to the right hypothalamus in cluster headache patients during acute spontaneous cluster headache “in attack” periods in comparison to those during the “out of attack” periods.

Researchers concluded that cluster headache patients have a dysfunction of brain function connectivity, mainly in brain regions that are related to pain processing.

Other health concerns associated with hypothalamic dysfunction include:

• Brain tumors
• Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s disease
• Hypopituitarism
• Gonadal deficiency or secondary failure
• Growth hormone deficiency
• Secondary male hypogonadism

Hormonal changes affect the hypothalamus, which controls body temperature, and this leads to the common complaint of “hot flashes” reported by women going through menopause. Also, if you’re a woman experiencing infertility, it may be due to polycystic ovarian syndrome, which is related to unhealthy hypothalamus function.

Natural Ways to Boost Hypothalamus Function

1. Increase Chromium Intake

Chromium is a trace mineral needed by the body in small amounts for healthy functioning. The hypothalamus is extremely important, a central part of the autonomic nervous system that helps controls body temperature, thirst, hunger, sleep and emotional activity.

Studies have linked chromium with a healthier hypothalamus. Research suggests that it can help keep the hypothalamus in a more youthful state, better regulate appetite in elderly adults and prevent negative effects on brain neurons caused by aging.

The USDA reports that these are the best food sources for obtaining more chromium naturally through your diet:

• Broccoli
• Potatoes
• Garlic
• Basil
• Grass-fed beef
• Oranges
• Turkey
• Green beans
• Apples
• Bananas

You may want to consider supplementing with chromium, but the benefits of taking chromium supplements are still somewhat controversial and questioned by some medical experts since studies to date show mixed results. If you can, it’s best to get chromium from natural foods.

2. Use Essential Oils

Essential oils of frankincense and myrrh don’t just have extremely lengthy histories of use dating back to biblical times — they’ve also been shown to improve brain health. Two primary active compounds called terpenes and sesquiterpenes are found in both frankincense and myrrh oil. Both of these compounds have shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the body.

Sesquiterpenes are able to cross the blood-brain barrier and stimulate the limbic system of the brain and other glands promoting memory and releasing emotions. Sesquiterpenes have been found to increase oxygen around receptor sites near the hypothalamus, pineal and pituitary glands. Sesquiterpenes also specifically have an effect on our emotional center in the hypothalamus, helping us remain calm and balanced.

There are many ways to incorporate frankincense and myrrh into your daily life. You can diffuse the essential oils, inhale them straight from the bottle, or you can mix them with a carrier oil like jojoba and apply the mixture directly to the skin.

You can try making Homemade Frankincense and Myrrh Lotion, which is an awesome way to easily incorporate both of these essential oils into your daily routine.

3. Try Vitex (Especially If You’re a Woman)

Vitex, also known as chaste tree berry, is an herbal supplement highly acclaimed for its ability to help balance female hormones. The medicinal ability of chasteberry to positively affect hormonal health issues appears to be derived from dopaminergic compounds present in the herb.

How exactly does vitex encourage hormonal balance? While it doesn’t supply hormones to the body, it does act directly on the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. For women, it increases luteinizing hormone, modulates prolactin and aids in the inhibition of the release of follicle-stimulating hormone, which all help balance out the ratio of progesterone to estrogen, slightly raising the levels of progesterone.

If you suffer from infertility and/or PCOS, vitex can be particularly helpful. Vitex or chasteberry is available in many different forms in your local health store or online. The dried, ripe chasteberry is used to prepare liquid extracts or solid extracts that are put into capsules and tablets.

If you’re not a fan of capsules or tablets, then the liquid extract is a great choice. You can also easily find vitex in tea form on its own or combined with other herbs that promote hormonal balance. You can order the dried berries and make your own tincture at home as well.

4. Eat Healthy Fats

One of the best ways to balance your hormones through your diet is to regularly consume healthy fats.

Cholesterol and other fats play a fundamental part in building cellular membranes and hormones. Certain kinds of fats, including cholesterol, also act like antioxidants and precursors to some important brain-supporting molecules and neurotransmitters.

Some of my favorite sources of anti-inflammatory, healthy fats include olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, grass-fed butter and wild-caught salmon. Eating good fats like olive oil supports healthy levels of cholesterol, which is an essential aspect of proper hormone synthesis.

5. Get Enough Sleep and Reduce Stress

Sleep is also key to keeping our hormones in check. A lack of sleep, long-term use of corticosteroids and chronic stress are three of the biggest contributors to high cortisol levels.

A report published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism states that stress can lead to changes in the serum level of many hormones including glucocorticoids, catecholamines, growth hormone and prolactin.

Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone synthesized from cholesterol by enzymes. At the right levels, it’s helpful, but when you have too much it can cause problems.

Since cortisol is regulated by the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and cortisol is the primary hormone responsible for the stress response, keeping cortisol production at a healthy level through adequate sleep and stress reduction is extremely helpful to the health of your hypothalamus (as well as your pituitary and adrenal glands).

6. Exercise Regularly

Moderate exercise on a regular basis is excellent for your hypothalamus as well as your entire body. A number of studies have found a gamma-amino-butyric acid deficiency in the hypothalamus of hypertensive animal subjects.

A study published in 2000 looked at the relationship between the hypothalamus, exercise and high blood pressure in animal subjects.

In this study, the researchers found that chronic exercise has a positive effect on both gene expression and neuronal activity in the hypothalamus. Not surprisingly, they also found that chronic exercise lowered blood pressure levels in the hypertensive animals.

It appears that exercise not only boosts heart health, but also improves hypothalamus health, and improving both is likely to help lower blood pressure for humans as well as animals.

Studies have also suggested that there are a number of “exercise-induced mechanisms in the hypothalamus” that may contribute healthy metabolic function as well as energy balance.

Precautions

To determine if you have a problem with your hypothalamus or a syndrome impacting its health, your doctor will likely perform a physical examination and ask about your symptoms. Blood or urine tests will also likely be conducted to evaluate your hormone levels.

If your doctor determines that you have hormone deficiencies, hormone replacement medication will most likely be recommended. Make sure to educate yourself about the side effects of any medication.

Always use caution when using essential oils, especially if you have sensitive skin. Discontinue use if any negative reactions occur. Always test first in a small area before applying an oil all over the skin to make sure you don’t have any allergic reaction.

If you have an ongoing medical condition or are taking medications, consult your doctor before starting any new natural treatments.

Conclusion

• The hypothalamus is a pretty forgotten or unknown gland for most people, but it really is an aspect of our anatomy that plays a major role in our health on a moment-to-moment basis. If the hypothalamus doesn’t work properly, there are so many things that can go wrong.
• The hypothalamus produces hormones that are released into the bloodstream, including oxytocin, growth hormone releasing hormone and thyroid hormones.
• Some things you can do to support the hypothalamus, and the health of your endocrine and nervous systems, include exercising regularly, eating foods rich in chromium and healthy fats, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress.

The post 6 Natural Ways to Boost Hypothalamus Function appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Hormones — such as estrogen, testosterone, adrenaline and insulin — are extremely important chemical messengers that affect many aspects of your overall health. That’s why a hormonal imbalance can be problematic, so you want to make sure you know how to balance hormones.

Conventional treatments for hormonal imbalances typically include synthetic hormone replacement therapies, birth control pills, insulin injections, thyroid medications and more. Unfortunately, for the majority of people suffering from hormonal disorders, relying on these types of synthetic treatments often does three things:

1. It makes people dependent on taking prescription drugs for the rest of their lives in order to keep symptoms under control.
2. It simply masks the patient’s symptoms but doesn’t solve them, which means that the patient can continue to develop abnormalities in other areas of the body while the disorder progresses.
3. It potentially causes a higher risk for serious side effects, such as stroke, osteoporosis, anxiety, reproductive problems, cancer and more.

Is it possible to balance hormones naturally? The good news is, yes, in many cases it is.

Let’s examine how to balance hormones naturally.

1. Swap Carbs for Healthy Fats

Foods that balance hormones include a variety of fat-containing foods that provide short-, medium- and long-chain fatty acids. Your body needs various types of fats to create hormones, including saturated fat and cholesterol.

Not only are these essential fats fundamental building blocks for hormone production, but they keep inflammation levels low, boost your metabolism and promote weight loss.

Healthy fats have the opposite effect of refined carbohydrates, which lead to inflammation and can mess with the balance of your hormones.

My four favorite sources of anti-inflammatory, healthy fats include coconut oil, avocados, grass-fed butter and wild-caught salmon.

• Coconut oil uses are plentiful. For example, coconut oil (or cream/milk) has natural antibacterial and fat-burning effects.
• Avocado benefits include improving heart health, lowering inflammation, controlling your appetite, and contributing to your daily intake of fiber and nutrients, such as potassium.
• Salmon nutrition is also impressive. It’s one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to lower inflammation and help with cognitive functions. Omega-3 fatty acids are a large component of brain-cell membranes and are important for cell-to-cell communication in the brain. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids help protect against hippocampal neuronal loss and reduce pro-inflammatory responses.

What food causes hormonal imbalance? It’s best to limit or avoid added sugar, processed carbs and refined vegetable/seed oils.

Here’s a rule of thumb: Steer clear from oils high in omega-6 fats (safflower oil, sunflower, corn, cottonseed, canola, soybean and peanut), and load up on rich sources of natural omega-3s instead (wild fish, flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts and grass-fed animal products).

There is a type of omega-6 fat that you want to get in your diet called gamma-linoleic acid (GLA). GLA can be taken in supplement form by using evening primrose oil or borage oil, and it’s also found in hemp seeds. Studies show supplementing with GLA can support healthy progesterone levels.

2. Supplement to Fill Nutritional Voids

While a healthy diet is key for all aspects of health, it’s sometimes necessary to supplement in order to fill nutritional voids that can be leading to a hormone imbalance.

Here are the top supplements to focus on in order to balance hormones:

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil contains omega-6 fatty acids, such as GLA, that support overall hormonal function. Supplementing with evening primrose oil can help relieve premenstrual and PCOS symptoms. It also helps to create a healthy environment for conception.

Vitamin D

What is the best vitamins to take for hormonal imbalance? Vitamin D is definitely one of them, since it almost acts like a hormone inside the body and has important implications for keeping inflammation levels low.

This is why people who live in dark areas often suffer from seasonal depression and other health problems unless they supplement with vitamin D. Sunshine is really the best way to optimize vitamin D levels because your bare skin actually makes vitamin D on its own when exposed to even small amounts of direct sunlight.

Most people should supplement with around 2,000–5,000 international units daily of vitamin D3 if they live in dark areas, during the winter and on days when they’re not in the sun.

Bone Broth

Bone broth soothes the digestive system and supplies the body with nutrients that can be easily absorbed. Consuming bone broth or protein powder made from bone broth is especially beneficial to your health because it contains healing compounds like collagen, proline, glycine and glutamine, which have the powder to boost your overall health.

Probiotics

Probiotics are healthy bacteria that can actually improve your production and regulation of key hormones like insulin, ghrelin and leptin. They can also aid in repairing your gut lining, which in turn can balance your hormones.

When undigested food particles, like gluten, for example, leak through your gut into your bloodstream, it leads to disease-causing inflammation that impacts the entire body — especially glands like the thyroid that is very susceptible to heightened inflammation. Most people with leaky gut have an a deficiency of probiotics in their guts.

To consume more probiotics, you can both add fermented foods to your diet (such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, etc.) and take probiotic capsule supplements.

Adaptogen Herbs

Adaptogen herbs are a unique class of plants that promote hormone balance and protect the body from a wide variety of diseases, including those caused by excess stress. In addition to boosting immune function and combating stress, research shows that various adaptogens — such as ashwagandha, medicinal mushrooms, rhodiola and holy basil — can help:

• Improve thyroid function
• Lower cholesterol naturally
• Reduce anxiety and depression
• Fight brain cell degeneration
• Stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels
• Support adrenal functions

Ashwagandha, in particular, can be extremely effective at balancing hormones. It benefits thyroid function because it promotes the scavenging of free radicals that cause cellular damage.

Ashwagandha can be used to support a sluggish or overactive thyroid, and it can also help to overcome adrenal fatigue. Your adrenals can become overtaxed when you experience too much emotional, physical or mental stress, leading to the disruption of hormones like adrenaline, cortisol and progesterone.

Holy basil, which is also known as tulsi, helps regulate cortisol levels, thereby working as a natural remedy for anxiety and emotional stress. Studies show that holy basil can also protect your organs and tissues against chemical stress from pollutants and heavy metals, which are other factors that can lead to hormone imbalance.

Mushrooms

Functional mushrooms support the body’s ability to adapt to stress and promote immune system modulation. These mushrooms have been used for over 2,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and are chock-full of beneficial compounds, including polysaccharides and polysaccharide peptides, beta-glucans, glycoproteins, and triterpenes that also support gut health, metabolic health and more.

Herbal Hormone Supplements

Certain supplements intended to support women’s hormones combine functional mushrooms with adaptogens and other botanicals to help support overall hormone balance. Within these supplements you’ll typically find reishi mushroom, chaste tree berry, ashwagandha, black cohosh root and schisandra berry.

Together these support female reproductive health, healthy energy levels, a positive mindset, mental clarity, restful sleep and the body’s ability to handle stress.

3. Address Emotional Imbalances

According to TCM, internal emotions have a direct impact on a person’s health, and addressing emotional imbalances, external factors and lifestyle choices can help prevent health conditions associated with hormonal imbalances.

TCM practitioners believe that the emotions of fear cause disease in your reproductive organs, kidneys and adrenals, affecting cortisol levels. This can lead to serious conditions like PCOS and infertility.

The emotions of frustration, impatience and unforgiveness cause disease in your liver, which can lead to an estrogen imbalance. Emotions of worry and anxiety can cause issues with your insulin levels, which can then affect several hormones.

A major component of balancing your hormones naturally is addressing any emotional imbalances that you are dealing with. You can do this by reducing stress levels, engaging in personal reflection and taking time for yourself.

Practicing meditation or healing prayer can be extremely beneficial, and so can deep breathing exercises, spending time outdoors and exercising every day. Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies like acupuncture and massage can also help to improve hormonal balance, combat stress and improve blood flow.

4. Use Certain Essential Oils

To balance your hormones naturally, it’s important that you eliminate toxins in your body by avoiding conventional body care products that are made with potentially harmful chemicals, including DEA, parabens, propylene glycol and sodium lauryl sulfate. A better alternative is to use natural products made with ingredients like essential oils, coconut oil, shea butter and castor oil.

The Environmental Working Group evaluated tens of thousands of products and ranked them in an easy-to-understand guide to make sure you have a resource to keep your family safe. Check out EWG’s “Skin Deep Cosmetic Database” today for recommendations for which products to use and avoid.

To replace toxic body care and cleaning products, use these hormone-balancing essential oils:

Clary Sage

Clary sage helps balance estrogen levels because it contains natural phytoestrogens. It can be used to regulate your menstrual cycle, relieve PMS symptoms, treat infertility and PCOS, and even reduce the chances of uterine and ovarian cancer.

It also serves as a natural remedy for emotional imbalances, like depression and anxiety. Diffuse three to five drops of clary sage to help balance hormone levels and relieve stress.

To ease cramps and pain, massage five drops of clary sage with five drops of coconut oil into your stomach and any other area of concern.

Fennel

Problems with your gut health have been found to cause autoimmune reactions, including thyroid disorders. Use fennel essential oil to relax your body, improve your digestion and gut health, boost your metabolism, and reduce inflammation.

You can rub two drops of fennel into your stomach or add one to two drops to a class of warm water or tea to take it internally.

Lavender

Lavender oil promotes emotional balance, as it can help treat anxiety, depression, moodiness and stress. It can also be used to promote restful sleep, which helps balance your hormone levels as well.

Diffuse five drops of lavender oil at home, add five drops to a warm water bath, or apply three drops topically to your temples, back or neck or wrists.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood essential oil can be used to increase your libido, reduce stress, promote relaxation, boost mental clarity and even help you relax. The powerful fragrance triggers peaceful feelings and results in the overall reduction of stress that can lead to hormone imbalances.

Inhale sandalwood directly from the bottle, diffuse it at home, or apply two to three drops to your wrists and bottoms of the feet.

Thyme

Thyme oil improves progesterone production, which helps treat or relieve health issues like infertility, PCOS, menopause, depression, fibroids, hair loss and insomnia. To help balance your hormones naturally, add two drops of thyme oil to a warm water bath, or rub two to three drops with equal parts coconut oil into your abdomen.

5. Beware of Medications and Birth Control

Are you aware of your medication’s side effects? Some can disrupt your hormone balance, leading to side effects like fatigue, appetite changes, altered sleeping patterns, low libido, sadness and even depression.

Some medications that can mess with your hormone balance include corticosteroids, stimulants, statins, dopamine agonists, rexinoids and glucocorticoids. Beware of your medications, talk to your doctor about the side effects and research natural alternatives whenever possible.

Birth control is another medication that alters hormone levels. “The pill” is a type of hormone therapy that raises estrogen levels to levels that can cause many complications.

Studies show that the health risks of taking them, especially long term, may include issues like:

• Breakthrough bleeding between cycles
• Increased risk of uterine bleeding, blood clotting, heart attack and stroke
• Migraines
• Increased blood pressure
• Weight gain
• Back pains
• Mood changes
• Nausea
• Benign liver tumors
• Breast tenderness

6. Get More Sleep

Unless you get seven to nine hours of sleep every night, you’re doing your body no favors. A lack of sleep or disturbing your natural circadian rhythm can be one of the worst habits contributing to a hormone imbalance.

How so? Because your hormones work on a schedule!

Case in point: Cortisol, the primary “stress hormone,” is regulated at midnight. Therefore, people who go to bed late never truly get a break from their sympathetic flight/fight stress response.

A lack of sleep, long-term use of corticosteroids and chronic stress are three of the biggest contributors to high cortisol levels. A report published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism stated that “Stress can lead to changes in the serum level of many hormones including glucocorticoids, catecholamines, growth hormone and prolactin.”

Sleep helps keep stress hormones balanced, builds energy and allows the body to recover properly. Excessive stress and poor sleep are linked with higher levels of morning cortisol, decreased immunity, trouble with work performance, and a higher susceptibility to anxiety, weight gain and depression.

To maximize hormone function, ideally try to get to bed by 10 p.m., and stick with a regular sleep-wake cycle as much as possible.

Final Thoughts

• Hormonal imbalances affect many millions of people worldwide in the form of common disorders, like diabetes, thyroid disorders, menstrual irregularities, infertility, low testosterone and estrogen dominance
• Symptoms include feeling anxious, tired, irritable, gaining or losing weight, not sleeping well, and noticing changes in your sex drive, focus and appetite
• Causes for hormonal imbalances include poor gut health, inflammation, high amounts of stress, genetic susceptibility and toxicity
• Here’s how to balance hormones naturally: Eat an anti-inflammatory diet; consume omega-3s, adaptogen herbal supplements, mushrooms, probiotics and other supplements like vitamin D; get good sleep; exercise; and control stress.

The post 6 Steps for How to Balance Hormones Naturally appeared first on Dr. Axe.

A recent CNN headline read: “BPA linked to asthma in school-age girls, study finds.”

Scientists have known about BPA toxic effects for years, and this latest study offers a concerning reminder that even prenatal exposure to the common chemical can lead to health issues that don’t show up until years down the line.

Thankfully, due to increased publicity highlighting the health risks of BPA, biomonitoring studies show that, overall, levels seem to be dropping.

But there’s still an equity issue at play here: Despite the declining levels, Black women still faced increased BPA contamination inside of their bodies compared to white counterparts.

In 2018, a Black person was still 40 percent more likely to have asthma than non-Hispanic whites.

Aside from the fact that air pollution tends to be much worse in minority neighborhoods (because this is where power plants, refineries and other polluters tend to build), could this be another piece of the puzzle explaining why the Black community is dealing with so much asthma?

Could that harmful lining in canned foods and drinks be playing a role? And what can we all do to protect ourselves, and everyone in our country?

Study Findings: BPA Linked to Asthma in School-Age Girls

Could the canned peas your mother craved when she was pregnant result in you needing an inhaler to get through gym class?

Well, yes, and it’s one of the many ways that endocrine-disrupting chemicals, even in tiny amounts, can tinker with our bodies’ delicate hormonal and immune systems.

The latest study linking BPA to health problems was published in the journal Environment International.

Researchers looked at more than 3,000 women in six European countries between 1999 and 2010. Then, they followed up to investigate the children’s respiratory health in the years that followed.

The key findings include:

• Concentrations of BPA in a mother during pregnancy increased the risk of asthma and wheezing in children by the time they went to school.
• A twofold increase in BPA urine concentration was linked to a 13 percent higher risk of respiratory issues.
• Interestingly, the link between a pregnant mother’s BPA exposure and wheezing in her school-age child years later was only seen in female children.”Our results are in line with those of earlier studies, which have also reported that bisphenol A has a negative impact on respiratory health in childhood. We believe that the effect may be due the fact that bisphenols can cross the placental barrier and interfere with the child’s respiratory and immune systems during the developmental phase,” explains Alicia Abellán, lead author of the study and researcher at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal).

Regarding the different outcomes of boys versus girls, the researchers acknowledge that “bisphenols are endocrine disruptors and can interfere with sex hormones. As our findings suggest, this may give rise to differences in the effects they have depending on the sex of the person exposed.”

How to Avoid BPA

BPA toxicity symptoms are sly — unlike, say, being exposed to a bunch of bleach, which can warrant an emergency room visit.

There are a slew of reasons to avoid BPA and some of its replacements that are actually more harmful. Asthma is one of them.

Breast cancer and weight gain are others.  The list goes on and on.

Overall, stronger chemical regulations are needed to keep dangerous products off of the market before millions of people are exposed for decades.

Do we really deserve to be guinea pigs? Do our kids?

If you’re sick of being part of a huge science experiment you didn’t sign up for, elect officials who will make stronger chemical regulations a reality.

Until that happens, here are other ways you can avoid BPA…

• Avoid canned foods and drinks whenever possible.
• Opt for fresh foods whenever you can. (Again, this is an equity issue: At least 13.5 million Americans have low access to healthy foods in their neighborhoods.)
• Before buying canned goods advertised as BPA-free, look for a replacement in glass. If you really want the canned version, call the company and find out exactly what the BPA replacement is. Many replacements, like BPS, are toxic, as well.
• Avoid plastic whenever possible. Chemicals in plastics are linked to cardiovascular disease, too.
• When you do use plastic, avoid washing it in the dishwasher or heating it in the microwave.
• Opt for food containers made of stainless steel, porcelain and glass as often as possible.

How to Deal with Asthma

Asthma symptoms impact 25 million Americans. The BPA-asthma study doesn’t attempt to say all of those cases are due to BPA exposure, but the point is it’s something so many people, particularly kids and teens, are dealing with. And it doesn’t have to be that way.

Here are some ways to avoid the wheezing (and utter scariness) of having an asthma attack:

• Avoid indoor irritants. Not only are they respiratory irritants and allergens, but many synthetic scents are linked to cancer and more. They hide out in dryer sheets, plug-ins, scented candles, perfumes and colognes, and a whole lot more. Opt for fragrance-free.
• Hone in on your food choices. Certain foods, even healthy ones, could be triggering low-level inflammation and irritation in your body, which makes you more prone to an asthma attack. Try keeping a food journal. Every few weeks, cut out a common food trigger like dairy and ultra-processed foods.
• As best as you can, try to insulate yourself from fast, dramatic changes in temperature and humidity. These sudden “jolts” in environmental change can trigger an attack.
• Be an advocate. Don’t buy eggs, meat and dairy raised in factory farm conditions. These warehouse farms often create awful air pollution for workers and nearby neighborhoods. If you are privileged enough to live in a neighborhood without trash incinerators, landfills, natural gas compressor stations and coal plants, consider donating your time to help folks who live in those neighborhoods fight for the clean air everyone deserves.

Conclusion

• Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a common, hormone-disrupting chemical found in certain plastics and in canned foods and drinks.
• A 2022 study found that pregnant women with higher levels of BPA in their urine were much more likely to have children with asthma symptoms by the time they went to elementary school.
• The link between prenatal BPA exposure and asthma symptoms was seen in school-age girls but not boys.
• We need stronger chemical regulations to protect the population from widespread, harmful chemical exposure.
• Because BPA is linked to so many health problems, removing it from the food supply could prevent more than 6,000 cases of childhood obesity and 22,000 cases of coronary heart disease annually. Researchers say the economic benefits of this could hit $1.74 billion.

The post BPA Linked to Asthma in School-Age Girls appeared first on Dr. Axe.

The dangers of synthetic scents are well-documented. Synthetic ingredients, often listed as “parfum” or “fragrance” on personal care product ingredient lists, are proprietary mixtures that may contain a blend of harmful ingredients. There was a bit of good news overseas, recently, though, as headlines read, “Europe Bans Toxic Fragrance Ingredient.”

The ingredient in question, butylphenyl methylpropional, is also known as lilial. (Just the word elicits a fresh, floral scent!) And it is still perfectly legal for use in the United States.

Europe Bans Toxic Fragrance Ingredient

In 2020, the European Union classified lilial as “reprotoxic.” That means it is harmful to not only fertility, but fetal development, too. The European Commission went as far to say the ingredient “cannot be considered safe.”

Fast-forward to March 1, 2022, and all products with that ingredient had to be off of store shelves throughout the European Union. The sought-after scent helps carry floral notes in everything from household cleaners and detergents to shampoos, conditioners, antiperspirants, moisturizers and even shaving creams.

“The use of personal care products like cosmetics and fine fragrance is a critical but underappreciated source of exposure to chemicals linked to reproductive harm. Ingredients that may harm fertility have no business being used in cosmetics.” –  Carla Burns, EWG senior director of cosmetic science

Still Legal in U.S. (Why?)

Why are some cosmetics banned in Europe but not the United States? Europe, Canada and many other countries tend to be way ahead of the United States in terms of protecting consumers from harmful cosmetics chemicals. (If you need proof, check out this list of cosmetic ingredients banned in Europe.)

Public health advocates are taking steps to help fill in the gaps in protection. For instance, at the end of 2020, researchers at Environmental Working Group added lilial to the EWG VERIFIED™ program’s list of unacceptable product ingredients. Even the International Fragrance Association limits the use of lilial in cosmetics.

Learn more about in this Women’s Voices for the Earth video:

But it’s still cropping up in more than 1,000 personal care products in the U.S., according to EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Safety Database.

Here are just a few of the products shown to contain lilial, according to EWG:

• Mane ‘N Tail shampoos
• Garnier Whole Blends Avocado Oil & Shea Butter Extracts Nourishing Shampoo
• Bumble & Bumble Prêt-A Dry Shampoo
• Paul Mitchell Fast Drying Sculpting Spray
• TRESemme Two Extra Hold Non-Aerosol Hair Spray
• Redken Shine Flash 02 Glistening Mist
• Kim Karsashian Eau De Parfum Rollerball
• BEBE Body Mist
• Victoria’s Secret Dream Angel Rollerball
• Marc Jacobs Eau De Toilette Spray, Daisy

Of concern is this: This certainly isn’t the only ingredient we need to worry about.

Studies link some fragrance ingredients to an increased risk of:

• Eye irritation
• Skin irritation
• Hormone disruption
• Increased risk of breast cancer
• Asthma
• Infertility

How to Avoid Toxic Beauty Ingredients

Because U.S. chemical regulation is so weak and doesn’t properly test for long-term impact on human health and ecosystem damage, it’s tough to completely avoid toxic beauty ingredients. If you want to help get toxic ingredients out of everyday products, tell Congress to support safer cosmetics.

Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) introduced legislation that would require cosmetics companies to prove their products are safe before marketing them. (Hello! Common sense!) It would also give the federal Food and Drug Administration the power to review risky ingredients, explains EWG.

Aside from lobbying Congress to meaningful protect, you can take smaller steps to help reduce the damage to you and your family

• Opt to avoid personal care products with ingredients that list “parfum” or “fragrance” on the ingredient list.
• Make your own, unscented cleaning products using basic ingredients.
• Lobby your workplace, fitness center, and local schools and businesses to implement fragrance-free policies.

Conclusion

• The European Union recently banned a toxic fragrance chemical called butylphenyl methylpropional (aka lilial).
• Although its chemistry provides clean floral notes, here’s the dirty truth: It’s harmful to fetal development and fertility.
• Lilial is still legal for use in the United States, thanks to lax chemical regulation laws.
• You can opt for unscented products and look for safer alternatives on EWG’s Skin Deep Database, but ultimately citizens will need to force change at the legislative level for broad-spectrum protection from harmful fragrance chemicals.

The post Europe Bans Toxic Fragrance Ingredient (It’s Still Legal in the U.S.) appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Scientists have identified a common chemical linked to early death, and the downside is that (at least in America) it’s still legally found in thousands of products — some of which may be right under your feet.

Researchers from NYU Langone investigated phthalates, plasticizing chemicals used in everything from vinyl flooring, siding and shower curtains to food wraps, food packaging and cosmetics. The findings suggest a huge toll on not only human health and survival, but the economy, as well. Phthalates may cause up to 100,000 premature deaths a year in older American adults, along with $40 to $47 billion in lost productivity.

As the study lays out, previous research already linked exposure to phthalates to all sorts of health problems, including:

• Breast and thyroid cancers
• Premature birth
• Gestational diabetes
• Childhood and adult obesity
• Adult diabetes
• Endometriosis
• Infertility

One prominent discovery in the most recent research involves the connection between high phthalate levels in urine and higher risk of death due to cardiovascular disease. (The link was even more pronounced in men.)

“Our findings reveal that increased phthalate exposure is linked to early death, particularly due to heart disease,” says study lead author Leonardo Trasande, MD. “Until now, we have understood that the chemicals connect to heart disease, and heart disease in turn is a leading cause of death, but we had not yet tied the chemicals themselves to death.”

And although this type of study doesn’t provide direct “cause-and-effect” evidence, the team says it plans on further studying the specific biological mechanism that could underline phthalates’ contribution to shortening lives. In particular, researchers will look at the role phthalates may play in hormone regulation and inflammation.

Chemical Linked to Early Death

Phthalates are known as one of the “Dirty Dozen” endocrine disruptors, and are also categorized as obesogens for their obesity-promoting characteristics. In this most recent study, “high-molecular weight” phthalates, like di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) were most closely linked to premature death among 55 to 64 year olds.

DEHP is found in medical equipment like IVs and ventilators, but it’s also used in some plastic food packaging and in vinyl products, including flooring and siding. DEHP is often used in tubing for dairy and many other food processing applications. Because of its broad use, breakdown metabolites are found in most Americans.

The main route of exposure is likely ingestion through food contact, and as consumer products break down. Low-income communities, and/or communities with high populations of black and brown residents, are particularly at risk. Not only do they face exposure through food and products, but the actual PVC plants manufacturing vinyl are often located in these neighborhoods.

Landfills are another hotspot for DEHP contamination. DEHP has even been detected in tomatoes grown with biosolids, the “sewage sludge” left over in wastewater treatment plants that non-organic farmers are allowed to use to grow our food. Phthalates are even detected at levels 200+ times above the legal limit in dollar store toys.

“Our research suggests that the toll of this chemical on society is much greater than we first thought,” says Dr. Trasande, who also serves as director of NYU Langone’s Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards. “The evidence is undeniably clear that limiting exposure to toxic phthalates can help safeguard Americans’ physical and financial wellbeing.”

How to Protect Yourself

It is virtually impossible to completely protect yourself from phthalates because they are so widespread. In fact, authors of this study say: “Regulatory action is urgently needed to reduce these preventable exposures.”

Other things you can do:

• Avoid vinyl/PVC products as much as possible.
• Avoid synthetically scented personal care products, candles and air fresheners that contain other types of phthalates  connected to health problems.
• Opt for unscented laundry detergent, cleaning products and personal care products. Nix perfume and cologne.
• Call your federal representatives and senators and tell them to support meaningful chemical regulation laws.
• Stand up in solidarity for communities and help them reject PVC plants, landfills and other toxic industrial invasions that threaten the health of our most vulnerable.
• Avoid eating take-out and at restaurants as much as possible.  On average, people who are eating food prepared outside of the home have nearly 35 percent higher levels of phthalates circulating in their bodies compared to people who eat food prepared at home.
• Avoid store food in and eating from plastics, particularly plastics No. 3, 6 and 7.
• Avoid washing plastics in dishwashers and heating food in plastics in the microwave.
• Opt for fresh or frozen foods as much as possible, and shy away from overpackaged, over processed foods.

Final Thoughts

• A first-of-its-kind study links certain phthalates to 100,000 premature deaths in America a year.
• Phthalates are chemicals that make plastics soft and flexible. The type of phthalate linked to early deaths and heart disease in this study is known as DEHP, and it’s used in vinyl/PVC production.
• DEHP is commonly used in medical equipment like IVs. It’s also used in food processing tubing and other equipment, along with food packaging materials.
• This new study estimates that phthalates could be linked to up to $47 billion in lost wages in the U.S. annually, due to premature deaths.
• All-cause mortality was linked to phthalates, but the link was especially strong for heart disease-related deaths.
• Phthalates are widespread and detected in most Americans. Researchers and consumer safety groups suggest the only way to truly protect citizens is for strong regulatory action.

The post ‘Everyday’ Chemical Linked to Early Death, Costs U.S. Billions appeared first on Dr. Axe.

IGF-1, also known as insulin-like growth factor 1, is a complex and interesting hormone. Is IGF-1 good or bad when it comes to your health? It has the potential to have both effects depending on how much your body produces.

Its most important job is to promote cell growth (hence the name). It’s known as a growth factor and is part of a group of tissue- and cell-building hormones.

On one hand, IGF-1 is thought to possess certain anti-aging and performance-boosting effects — including helping build and retain muscle mass and bone mass. On the other hand, high levels of IGF-1 have been associated with an increased risk for developing some types of cancer and even decreased life span.

Below we’ll look at the various roles that this hormone plays, plus discuss diet and lifestyle factors that can both increase and inhibit IGF-1 in order to keep levels in balance.

What Is IGF-1?

What does IGF-1 mean? It stands for “insulin like growth factor 1.”

It’s technically an anabolic peptide hormone that has the role of stimulating growth and to a lesser degree supporting maintenance of normal blood sugar levels and a healthy metabolism.

Cells throughout our muscles contain receptors that have a high affinity for this type of growth factor. Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor is a protein found on the surface of human cells that is activated by IGF-1.

Insulin like growth factor was formerly called somatomedin (or somatomedin C) because it’s a peptide in the somatomedin family. It’s been determined that IGF-1 is a “single chain 70-amino acid polypeptide cross-linked by 3 disulfide bridges.”

It got its current name because it has certain insulin-like actions in the body (including lowering blood sugar), but it isn’t nearly as powerful as insulin when it comes to controlling blood glucose levels.

One of the main jobs of IGF-1 is to manage the effects of growth hormone in your body. Because it mediates many of the effects of human growth hormone, many people discuss these two hormones interchangeably.

How do IGF-1 and IGF-2 differ from another?

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are key growth-promoting peptides that act as both endocrine hormones and growth factors. Most IGF molecules are bound by one of the members of the IGF-binding protein (IGFBP) family.

The IGF protein family consists of signaling proteins, cell membrane receptor proteins and IGF binding proteins.

Another peptide hormone that is similar to IGF-1 is called IGF-2. Both of these growth factors have a similar structure to insulin.

They’re both produced primarily in the liver, as well as in other tissues, in response to the release of growth hormone by the pituitary gland. Both are considered extensions of human growth hormone because they have many of the same effects.

• As binding proteins, IGF-1 and IGF-2 both bind to and activate different receptors, causing the growth of different cells and tissues.
• When IGF-1 binds to receptors it primarily stimulates hypertrophy (increase in cell size) and hyperplasia (increase in cell number) in both children and adults. It does this in tissues, including muscles and bones.
• IGF-2 is highly active during fetal development, helping with cell growth (proliferation) and tissue formation, but becomes much less active after birth.

Benefits

What does IGF-1 do to the body? Here are some of the positive things that it does for us (more on these below):

• Helps build muscle mass and increase strength
• Helps prevent muscle wasting
• May enhance physical performance, support muscle recovery and help with healing from injuries
• Can help with regulation of levels of body fat (adipose tissue)
• Builds strength in response to strength-training
• Helps build bones and protect against bone loss
• Can help regulate blood sugar levels and decrease diabetes risk factors
• Supports growth and development in children
• May help protect cognitive health and fight against neurological diseases or loss of brain cells by acting as a neurotrophic factor
• Supports vascular endothelial growth
• May help prevent skin thinning
• May help prevent hypoglycemia (low sugar levels)
• Can help support kidney function and blood filtration
• May affect genes in a way that promotes healthy aging (when in balance with other growth factors)

Here’s more about the benefits associated with this hormone:

1. Helps Build Muscle and Fights Muscle Wasting

Many studies show that IGF-1 stimulates skeletal muscle hypertrophy and a switch to glycolytic metabolism, allowing you to build strength.

It activates several channels that help with the expression of other growth factors. IGF-1 can also help decrease age-related muscle wasting (also called sarcopenia or muscle atrophy) by preserving lean muscle mass.

2. Helps Prevent Cognitive Decline in Older Adults

Higher circulating concentrations of IGF-1 in older adults may help prevent neuronal loss and age-related decline in cognitive functions.

Researchers from one study said:

We found IGF-I levels to be significantly associated with the performances (controlled for education) on the Digit Symbol Substitution test and the Concept Shifting Task, which measure perceptual-motor and mental processing speed. Subjects with higher IGF-I levels performed better on these tests, performance on which is known to decline with aging.

Experts now think that IGF-1 may help boost executive function (a set of mental skills that helps you complete everyday tasks) and verbal memory.

In certain animal studies, it’s been found that IGF-1 may help protect against Parkinson’s disease and induce clearance of brain amyloid-betas, which at high levels are associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

3. Supports Metabolic Health and Fights Type 2 Diabetes

IGF-1 and insulin work together to keep blood sugar levels stable. Depending on what types of foods you eat, they determine what your body uses for energy (fat or glucose) and where excess energy is stored.

Certain studies have found that when type 2 diabetic patients are treated with IGF-1, their blood sugar levels decrease, insulin sensitivity improves and blood lipids also improve.

IGF-1 may also be beneficial when you’re fasting or following the ketogenic diet because it can help you burn fat for fuel instead of glucose.

On the other hand, the connection between IGF-1 and metabolic syndrome is still controversial.

For example, a 2020 study found: “Genetic predisposition to elevated serum IGF-1 levels was associated with higher risk of type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease.” The researchers note: “Abnormal serum IGF-1 levels are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease…the role of IGF-1 levels within the normal range in cardiometabolic disease remains unclear.”

4. Helps Build Bones and Preserve Bone Health

IGF-1 has been shown to play a role in bone formation and is a key growth factor that regulates both anabolic and catabolic pathways in skeletal muscle.

Researchers believe that it stimulates bone formation by having a direct effect on osteoblasts. It increases skeletal muscle protein synthesis and can help prevent bone loss in older age (especially in postmenopausal women who are at the highest risk of bone-related disorders like osteoporosis).

Growth hormone and IGF-1 are also fundamental in skeletal growth during puberty. One study that focused on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in 59 African American and 59 white girls, aged 7–10 years, found that higher plasma IGF-1 concentrations were correlated with better BMD/BMC in younger age too.

5. Facilitates Growth and Development

Studies have found that higher concentrations of IGF-1 in fetuses result in lager fetal size. In animal studies, IGF-1 deficiency has been associated with impaired neurologic development, suggesting that this hormone has specific roles in axonal growth and myelination. Deficiency in IGF-1 has also been linked to neonatal mortality.

Because it is a growth promoter, it makes sense that studies show blood levels of IGF-1 progressively increase during childhood and peak at the time of puberty.

After puberty, when rapid growth is completed, levels of IGF-1 decrease. Defects in the gene that helps stimulate production of IGF-1 causes insulin-like growth factor 1 deficiency, which is associated with stunted growth and development.

How to Balance Levels

In general, in order to maintain optimal health you want to have a normal/moderate level of IGF-1 — not too much or too little. Some studies suggest that having what’s considered a very low level or very high level of IGF-1 may increase your risk for death (aka your mortality risk).

So what is considered a normal level of IGF 1? It depends on your age and gender.

Males have higher levels than females. Adolescence is the time when levels should be highest, before tapering off and then decreasing during adulthood.

According to the Mayo Clinic Laboratories, here is roughly the normal reference range for IGF-1 depending on your age:

• 0–3 years: 18–229 ng/mL
• 4–8 years: 30–356 ng/mL
• 8–13 years: 61–589 ng/mL
• 14–22 years: 91–442 ng/mL
• 23–35 years: 99–310 ng/mL
• 36–50 years: 48–259 ng/mL
• 51–65 years: 37–220 ng/mL
• 66–80 years: 33–192 ng/mL
• 81–>91 years: 32–173 ng/mL

What foods are high in IGF-1? Can eating certain things cause levels to increase?

In some ways you can increase production of IGF-1 by eating a healthy diet that includes moderate amounts of protein (but not very high amounts) and is low in sugar and processed carbohydrates.

It’s important to eat an unprocessed, nutrient-dense diet that helps support insulin sensitivity since IGF-1 and insulin work together in some ways and balance each other out. Insulin regulates energy metabolism and also increases the bioactivity of IGF-1. 

Studies suggest that high-protein diets can increase IGF-1 levels, but higher fat intake, in particular saturated fat, can lead to lower levels.

Fasting and “extreme diets” may cause IGF-1 levels to drop and stay down for a period of time. IGF-1 production may decrease in response to intermittent fasting, calorie restriction or starvation because not enough fuel is temporarily available to build new tissue.

However, according to some animal studies, levels may bounce back after 24 hours of re-feeding, although not to starting levels.

Things That Increase IGF-1:

• Intense/strenuous exercise and HIIT workouts — One 2020 meta-analysis states that “physical exercise may be an alternative treatment to control changes in IGF-1 metabolism and blood concentration.” Vigorous exercise helps release more growth hormone, especially when you just begin this type of exercise. Over time, though, as your body acclimates to intense exercise, you may start releasing less.
• Resistance/strength training — Strength training is one of the best ways to increase IGF-1 and retain muscle mass. It helps us adapt to the “stress” our muscles are put under when we challenge them with heavy weights. The fact that we can build strength and lean muscle mass when we strength train can partially be attributed to growth hormone and IGF-1.
• Eating high amounts of dairy and protein — There’s some evidence that high intakes of protein from dairy products can lead to higher blood levels of IGF-1.
• Eating enough calories to support your activity level and needs.
• Sleeping enough — Sleep deprivation can mess with overall hormone health in many ways. Getting quality sleep is important for the production of growth hormone, recovery from exercise, neurological health, appetite control and more.
• Sauna sessions — Certain studies suggest that 60-minute sauna sessions twice daily for one week can significantly increase production of growth hormone, which is believed to also apply to IGF-1.

Things That Inhibit IGF-1:

• Aging, since older age is associated with decreased production of growth hormones.
• Calorie restriction, fasting, extreme diets and protein restriction.
• High insulin levels, since this may decrease the body’s need for IGF-1.
• Sedentary lifestyle/lack of exercise.
• Sleep deprivation.
• Higher estrogen levels, such as from high intake of plant lignans and phytoestrogen foods like soy and flax.
• High alcohol intake.
• High stress levels.

Supplements and Dosage

Some people choose to supplement with IGF-1 to promote muscle growth. However, most experts believe that it’s generally not safe to supplement with IGF-1 based on available research at this time.

Supplementation should only be done under very specific circumstances and when you’re being monitored closely by a doctor.

Research reviewed by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency has caused the agency to warn against the use of supplements and products that say they contain IGF-1 due to potential contamination and side effects. There’s also potential to misuse or overuse these products and potentially develop a dependence on them.

Possible side effects of IGF-1 can include:

• joint problems
• liver problems
• overgrowth of some body tissues
• heart damage
• dangerous changes in blood sugar levels

Anyone with prediabetes or diabetes should avoid these products due to how they impact blood glucose, which can be seriously problematic and lead to issues like fainting.

Risks and Side Effects

While IGF-1 does have some important roles, on the other hand it has some negative effects when levels rise too high. For example, it may promote cancer development and lead to decreased life span (according to animal studies).

For some people, when they hear the word IGF-1, the first thing that comes to mind is performance-enhancing drugs. It’s important to point out that supplementing with IGF-1 for boosting performance is not recommended and not necessarily safe. This has been associated with side effects including:

• Impaired glucose metabolism and hypoglycemia
• Retinal edema
• Fatigue
• Changes in sexual function
• Severe muscle pain

Here’s more about potential side effects and dangers associated with insulin like growth factor 1:

1. May Contribute to Cancer Development

IGF-1 is what some call “a growth-promoter” because it has been shown to promote the growth of cancer cells. This is one reason why research suggests that older adults who have lower IGF-1 levels also have a lower risk of developing certain types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, prostate, colorectal and lung cancers.

Some studies have found an especially strong association between circulating IGF-1 concentrations and the risk of breast cancer in premenopausal but not postmenopausal women.

It’s still not entirely clear how IGF-1 may contribute to cancer. Some believe that IGF-1 might cause increased cell transformation, cell migration, metastasis and growth of tumors. It seems that IGF-1 doesn’t cause cancer but can allow it to progress and spread more quickly.

Overall there’s still more to learn about how IGF-1 can affect cancer risk, but for now it’s not considered safe to supplement with IGF-1 without being told to so by a doctor. It’s considered an illegal supplement and banned in professional sports, which should be enough to make you think twice before taking it.

2. May Decrease Life Span

In certain animal studies conducted on mice, worms and flies, decreased IGF-1 levels actually led to longer life span. Increasing growth hormone by significant amounts has been shown in some animal studies to reduce life span by up to 50%, while reducing levels has been shown to boost life span by up to 33%.

It’s still not entirely clear why this happens, and the topic remains controversial. Lower IGF-1 may promote a longer life in animals, but some experts believe that it may increase expression of genes associated with stress-resistance and help fight oxidative stress. 

IGF-1 may help decrease inflammatory responses, suppresses oxidative stress and decreases atherosclerosis progression. Based on these findings, there’s still unknowns about how growth hormones impact longevity, inflammatory responses and chronic disease development.

Conclusion

• IGF-1 stands for “insulin-like growth factor 1.” It’s an anabolic peptide hormone that has a role in stimulating growth of cells and tissues, including muscles and bone.
• This hormone possesses both beneficial effects, including fighting the effects of aging, and also some potentially harmful ones, too.
• Benefits include building muscle mass, preventing muscle wasting, building bone mass, helping with growth, managing blood sugar levels and protecting against neurological disorders.
• Dangers of this hormone include potentially increasing the risk for some cancers and reducing life span.
• Exercise, fasting and other “beneficial stressors” like sauna therapy may increase IGF-1. Being sedentary, having high insulin levels, stress and sleep deprivation can lower it.

The post Benefits & Dangers of IGF-1: Weight-Loss Promoter or Cancer Causer? appeared first on Dr. Axe.

When you’re creating a meal or spraying a stray dandelion in your yard, you probably don’t think about glyphosate toxicity. Still, glyphosate is the most commonly used agricultural pesticide in the world — and a go-to weedkiller in lawns and gardens across America. And although you would never purposely add it to your food or drinking water … you’re still probably consuming it every day. (It’s used so heavily, it’s now detected in rain samples, too.)

The unfortunate truth is, glyphosate is virtually impossible to avoid, so you and your loved ones are probably at risk from its toxic effects right now — unless you take active steps to defend yourself.

The Inside Track on Glyphosate

Glyphosate’s primary use involves killing weeds, but it was first patented as a metal chelator (remover) because it binds to minerals (like calcium) to clear them out of pipes. That’s great for pipes, but not for people who need essential minerals to stay strong and healthy.

The herbicide also causes a devastating impact on our internal ecosystem. It kills off beneficial bacteria (probiotics) while giving dangerous pathogens a competitive edge. Research indicates that glyphosate creates and speeds up antibiotic resistance in disease-causing bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli.

In its central role, glyphosate is the most widely used agricultural pesticide in the world, but it’s often combined with other toxic herbicides including:

• Atrazine
• 2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid)
• Dicamba
• Neonicotinoid insecticides

That’s why the vast majority of our conventional food supply is contaminated with glyphosate, almost always along with other toxins. And as we’re finding, these dangerous combinations spell disaster for our personal and planetary health.

Glyphosate Toxicity: The Many Dangers

Glyphosate poses an enormous health risk because of our constant exposure. And though each instance of contact with glyphosate may seem small, they all add up — especially since this everyday toxin “tricks” your body into storing it, by mimicking other essential nutrients.

That puts you at higher risk for many troubling health issues, including:

• Deficiencies in essential minerals such as manganese and iron that can lead to diabetes, dementia, and anemia symptoms
• Overgrowth of pathogens in the gut (dysbiosis or “leaky gut”), which disrupts immune function and increases inflammation, putting you at risk for dozens of chronic diseases
• Disruption of vital biochemical processes (like detox methylation), which can lead to toxin overload, autoimmune disease and cancer
• Reduced neurotransmitter production, which can cause depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline

Since glyphosate contamination is extremely difficult to avoid, you need to defend yourself against it every day.

Pesticides Taint Most Foods

Most plant foods sold in the U.S. come bathed in pesticides. According to the USDA, more than 225 different pesticides can be found on fruits, vegetables, and grains commonly consumed in the U.S. (See the Dirty Dozen list for more details.) Even organic foods are not always spared, since pesticides like glyphosate and others can find their way into organic farms via wind drift or other means.

Glyphosate itself contaminates hundreds of the most common foods. Even though each food may contain only trace amounts of glyphosate, those traces add up to an oversized daily dose. Here’s just a small taste of foods that contain glyphosate in popular brands:

• Granola bars
• Bottled orange juice
• Rolled oats
• 100% whole grain pasta
• Hummus

While it may seem impossible to avoid glyphosate and other pesticides, there are things you can do to protect yourself and your family from the harm these toxins can cause. Emphasizing organic foods and products is an important first step. Even though organic produce may still contain some pesticide or toxin residues, levels will be far lower than conventionally-grown items.

There’s also a new, independent certification that manufacturers can obtain to verify products as glyphosate-free. While still in the early stages, this new certification may be something to keep an eye out for, as awareness about the dangers of glyphosate continues to climb.

Protect Yourself from Glyphosate Toxicity

There are several things you can do to minimize — and even eliminate — glyphosate contamination, but the most important is to protect your body with natural defenders. That way, as we are chronically exposed to glyphosate, our bodies can safely deal with it before long-term damage is done.

The most effective glyphosate defense team includes:

Citrus pectin: A soluble fiber known to detoxify heavy metals and clear cholesterol through its superior binding powers

Alginates (purified from kelp): Proven to protect against pesticide toxicity and effectively remove heavy metals and toxins

Glycine: An amino acid needed to create glutathione — a powerful detoxifier and antioxidant that also protects the liver against toxicity. Interestingly, the body can mistake glyphosate for glycine during protein synthesis, tricking it into storing toxic glyphosate in tissues and organs. By supplementing with extra glycine, we can prevent glyphosate from being stored, enhance glutathione activity, and help support healthy protein production.

The top glycine-rich sources include collagen and bone broth, but it’s also found in legumes, meat, dairy, poultry, eggs and fish. Even some fruits and vegetables contain glycine, like spinach, cabbage, kale, bananas and cauliflower.

Gingko biloba: An ancient herb found to be a powerful protector against glyphosate toxicity

Organic Iceland kelp: A rich source of protective minerals including iodine, which prevents the absorption of radioactive ions and toxic pesticide halogens like fluoride, bromide, and chlorine

Probiotics and prebiotics: Needed to restore beneficial gut bacteria killed off by glyphosate

In my practice, I recommend a targeted detox formula with these detox binders, to safely remove glyphosate and other agricultural toxins, prevent them from being stored in the body, and support thyroid, GI health, and other areas.

Pesticides and environmental toxins represent a daily problem that require daily solutions—especially since our levels of exposure are on the rise. Supporting your body with safe, natural detoxifiers offers the best defense against glyphosate along with other pesticides and toxins, with additional protective benefits for long-term health and wellness.

The post Glyphosate Toxicity Alert: How America’s #1 Weedkiller Tricks Your Body Into Absorbing It appeared first on Dr. Axe.

We all know that poor diet and lack of physical activity contribute greatly to the obesity problem in the United States, but did know that that there’s a class of artificial chemicals that are also linked to an increased susceptibility to weight gain? They’re called obesogens, and they’re found in many everyday products.

Need another reason to stop using plastics and add fresh foods to your diet? When you learn about the dangers of obesogenic exposure, you’ll rethink how you package, store and choose your foods.

What Are Obesogens?

Obesogens are artificial chemicals that are found in various food containers, cookware and plastics. They have become known as a subset of endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

These chemicals have been shown to be involved in weight gain. They can also interfere with any aspect of hormone action and have been linked to issues related to fertility and puberty.

There are over 20 chemicals that are identified as obesogens. The term was coined around 2006, when exposure to these chemicals during early development were found to disrupt normal metabolic processes and increase a person’s susceptibility to weight gain across his or her life span.

It’s not that obesogens directly cause obesity, but they do increase your susceptibility and sensitivity to gaining weight, especially if you are exposed to the chemicals during development.

Studies indicate that obesogens promote obesity by altering the programming of fat cell development, increasing energy storage in fat tissue, and interfering with neuroendocrine control of appetite and satiety. In other words, they change how your body regulates feelings of hunger and fullness.

They can also increase the effects of high-fat and high-sugar diets.

Most Common Obesogens and Their Dangers

1. Phthalates

Phthalates are obesogenic chemical compounds that are added to plastics to increase their flexibility and longevity. They are used in a wide range of cosmetic and food products, including children’s toys, cosmetics, food containers, sunscreens, detergents and more.

It’s believed that more than 75 percent of the U.S. population carries detectable levels of several phthalate metabolites.

In a 2019 meta-analysis involving 29 publications, researchers concluded that, in general, there’s a positive association between phthalates and obesity, especially in adults.

Beyond its effect on weight gain, exposure to phthalates has also been connected to reproductive disorders, including DNA damage in sperm, testicular toxicity and delayed pubertal milestones.

2. Bisphenol A (BPA)

BPA toxic effects are well-known. The synthetic compounds are associated with inflammatory conditions, infertility and vitamin D deficiency.

BPA exposure has also been linked to obesity and diabetes. A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health states that there’s a suggested possible causality between BPA exposure and childhood obesity, and data indicates that BPA exposure itself increased the risk of obesity in children.

You’ve seen BPA-free bottles in the grocery store, but the dangerous obesogenic compound is also present in plastic dinnerware, toys, medical devices, PVC compounds and dental sealants. It may also be hiding in beer kegs, metal coffee cans, aluminum beverage cans, jar lids and bottles of cooking oil.

3. Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

PCBs are man-made chemicals that were used in hundreds of industrial and commercial applications, including as pigments in paper, plasticizers in paints, plastics and rubber products, and in electrical equipment. Although using these obesogenic chemicals in the U.S. was banned in 1979, they are still present in soil, products, buildings and drinking water.

They can accumulate in leaves, plants and food crops and are taken up into the bodies of fish and other small organisms. Once they are in an environment, they do not break down easily.

PCBs have been shown to affect the development of obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, according to research published in Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology.

4. Atrazine (ATZ)

Atrazine is the second-most widely used herbicide in the country. It sticks to crops, soil and surface water, eventually winding up in the water supply at levels unsafe levels. It is one of the most common contaminants in drinking water, causing tap water toxicity.

It’s known as an endocrine disruptor that causes hormonal changes and can lead to serious developmental, reproductive, neurological and immune issues.

Research published in PloS One suggests that atrazine may contribute to the development of insulin resistance and obesity, particularly where a high-fat diet is prevalent.

5. Tributyltin (TBT)

Tributyltin is an artificial chemical that’s used as an antifouling agent in paints that are applied to boats, ships and fishnets. It has contaminated many lakes and coastal waters, and it’s hazardous to a wide range of marine organisms.

Although the obesogenic chemical’s use has been prohibited by many regulatory authorities, it’s still found on large vessels and seeps into the sea.

Research published in Vitamins and Hormones indicates that the obesogen tributyltin can exert toxicity through many mechanisms, but most recently it has shown to alter processes that are central to fat metabolism. Exposure to this class of chemicals may actually signal stem cells to turn into fat cells, contributing to weight gain and obesity.

6. Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)

Perfluorooctanoic acid is a drinking water contaminant that is known to be extremely resistant to environmental degradation processes and so it persists indefinitely.

According to a review of literature published in Environmental Research, the obesogenic contaminant has been detected in finished drinking water, drinking water sources impacted by releases from industrial facilities and waste water treatment plants — as well as in waters with no known point sources.

PFOA has been classified as “likely to be carcinogenic in humans” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Science Advisory Board. It’s also considered an obesogen, and a 2018 meta-analysis established that exposure to the obesogenic contaminant in early life is associated with an increased risk for childhood obesity and higher body mass index.

7. Cigarette Smoke

Exposure to cigarette smoke is the cause of many health issues, including obesity. In fact, one of the earliest links between human fetal development and obesity arose from studies on exposure to cigarette smoke while in utero.

Babies born to smoking mothers are often underweight but tend to make it “make up for it” as they develop and grow, putting on more weight during infancy and childhood.

A nationwide survey on over 20,000 Japanese adults found that there’s a positive association between the number of cigarettes smoked per day and obesity.

How to Minimize Obesogenic Exposure

The most dangerous time for obesogen exposure is during early development, as a fetus and during the first years of life. This is because at a young age, your body’s weight control mechanisms are still developing

Here are ways to minimize exposure:

1. Avoid foods stored in plastic.
2. Use glass containers and bottles.
3. Do not microwave plastics.
4. Make your own skin care and beauty products.
5. If purchasing cosmetics, use organic and natural products.
6. When using products in plastic, look for containers that are BPA- and phthalate-free.
7. Use “fragrance-free” products.
8. Choose cast iron or stainless steel cookware.
9. Do not purchase stain-resistant or flame-retardant carpets or furniture.
10. Use a water filter, such as granular activated carbon and reverse osmosis filter systems.
11. Eat fresh foods (including fruits and vegetables) whenever possible.

Final Thoughts

• Obesogens are artificial chemicals that are found in various food containers, cookware, plastics, cosmetics and drinking water. They have become known as a subset of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and they are linked to weight gain and obesity.
• The most common obesogens include phthalates, BPA, PCBs, ATZs, TBTs, PFOAs and cigarette smoke.
• To reduce your exposure to environmental obesogens, avoid using plastics, don’t purchase foods in plastics, get a good quality water filter, use “fragrance free” products and eat fresh foods whenever possible.

The post Obesogenic Exposure: Top 7 Obesogens that Lead to Weight Gain & Obesity appeared first on Dr. Axe.

BPA’s toxic effects are well-publicized. From the lining of canned foods to polycarbonate hard plastics to even the thermal coatings on cash register receipts, this is one of the world’s most proven bad news endocrine disruptors. BPA is linked to everything from hormone-related breast and prostate cancers to polycystic ovarian syndrome and early puberty.

But BPA isn’t the only endocrine disruptor to watch out for. In 2019, researchers tied exposure to common hormone-disrupting chemicals in consumer products during pregnancy to lower IQ in children by age 7. Interestingly, bisphenol F (BPF), a replacement chemical found in BPA-free plastics, was the most potent household chemical tied to lower child IQ. The pesticide chloropyrifos, polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, the antibacterial chemical triclosan and phthalates found in vinyl plastics and personal care products also had IQ-lowering effects.

So now that we know BPA is just one of at least a thousand chemicals or chemical mixtures that can tinker with our bodies’ delicate hormonal systems, what are the other major culprits setting us up for disease?

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) like phthalates, triclosan and even compounds detected in fish you should never eat are among the 85,000-plus manufactured chemicals in use in the United States. They’re found in everyday products and throughout the environment. For instance, did you know that things like atrazine increase tap water toxicity? It’s true.

Research spanning the last 25 years implicates endocrine disruptors in many health problems, including male reproductive disorders, premature death, obesity and diabetes, neurological impacts, breast cancer, endometriosis, female reproductive disorders, immune disorders, liver cancer, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s symptoms, prostate cancer, and thyroid disorders.

Our current laws clearly aren’t working, and policies are needed to protect people from the harmful consequences of EDC exposure. Until Congress makes it illegal for companies to put such toxic ingredients in our products, it’s unfortunately up to us to do our best to avoid hormone-disrupting chemicals. (1) But it certainly makes a strong case for electing officials who back meaningful chemical reform, doesn’t it? It seems unfair busy families should have to go to these lengths just to stay safe.

What Do Endocrine Disruptors Do?

First we need to ask: What is an endocrine disruptor? According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Science, endocrine disruptors are chemicals that may interfere with the body’s endocrine system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological and immune effects in both humans and wildlife. The damage is believed to be most severe during prenatal or early pregnancy exposure. (3)

“From the day of conception until an individual is born or hatched, the development of each stage of life is fully under the control of hormones.

“Changes that happen during development are far less reversible [than those occurring in an adult]; you can’t go back and rewire the brain.”— the late Theo Colborn, Ph.D., zoologist and founder and president of the Endocrine Disruption Exchange

What Makes Up Your Endocrine System?

Let’s take a step back. How do we define endocrine? What does endocrine mean? The endocrine system, made up of all the body’s different hormones, regulates all biological processes in the body from conception through adulthood and into old age. This includes the: (4)

• development of the brain and nervous system
• growth and function of the reproductive system
• function of metabolism and blood sugar levels

Major components of the endocrine system include:

• female ovaries
• male testes
• pituitary gland
• thyroid gland
• adrenal glands

Other components include the:

• pineal gland
• thymus
• hyperthalamus
• parathyroid glands
• pancreas

Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus links our endocrine and nervous systems together. The hypothalamus drives the endocrine system.

Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland receives signals from the hypothalamus. This posterior lobe secretes hormones that are made by the hypothalamus. The anterior lobe produces its own hormones. Some of these act on other endocrine glands.

Thyroid Gland

This gland is critical to the healthy development and maturation of humans. It also regulates metabolism.

Adrenal Glands

Made up of two glands, the cortex and medulla, the adrenal glands produce hormones in response to stress. Adrenal glands also regulate blood pressure, glucose metabolism, and the body’s salt and water balance.

Pancreas

The pancreas is responsible for producing glucagon and insulin. Both hormones help regulate the concentration of glucose (sugar) in the blood.

Gonads

The male reproductive gonads are called testes. The female’s reproductive gonads are ovaries. Both produce steroids that affect growth and development and also regulate reproductive cycles and behaviors.

The most prominent gonadal steroids are found in both men and women but at different levels. These include:

• androgens
• estrogens
• progestins

Endocrine Disruptors: The Dose Doesn’t Make the Poison

When it comes to chemicals and toxicology, it seems logical to think higher doses of something are more dangerous because the health impacts are more immediate and obvious (just think about what happens when someone is exposed to high levels of pesticides — immediate poisoning warrants an emergency situation). But when you’re looking at endocrine disruptors, it’s different. Even seriously tiny doses can lead to devastating health effects. But sometimes these health impacts don’t show up for years or even decades down the line after exposure. And unlike high-dose poisonings, it’s not as easy to make the cause-and-effect connection.

Researchers are making huge breakthroughs showing how endocrine-disrupting chemicals impact human health. And it’s not pretty. (It’s also costing the U.S. health care system a boatload. More on that later).

“For decades, studies of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have challenged traditional concepts in toxicology, in particular the dogma of ‘the dose makes the poison,’ because EDCs can have effects at low doses that are not predicted by effects at higher doses.” — Lauren Vandenberg, Ph.D., lead study author (5)

Our hormonal systems are so delicate that even tiny exposures to endocrine-disrupting chemicals at key points of development could set us up for disease later in life. We’re taking exposures measured in the parts per billion. To put that into context, it’s like one drop in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Member scientists of the Endocrine Society issued a report in which they claim:

“We present the evidence that endocrine disruptors have effects on male and female reproduction, breast development and cancer, prostate cancer, neuroendocrinology, thyroid, metabolism and obesity and cardiovascular endocrinology.” (6)

Related: Obesogenic Exposure: Top 7 Obesogens that Lead to Weight Gain & Obesity

The ‘Dirty Dozen’ Endocrine Disruptors

With more than a thousand potential hormone disruptors out there, Environmental Working Group scientists created a list of the 12 most damaging and prominent endocrine disruptors to avoid:

The Brain Drain and Economic Cost of Endocrine Disruptors

The negative health effects of endocrine disruptors are so widespread that endocrine disruptors, according to an analysis in Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, cost the United States over 2 percent of its gross domestic product — a median of $340 billion annually. Researchers predict these numbers are even lower than the reality, since only a portion of endocrine-disrupting chemicals were analyzed.

This report is a huge deal because for the first time, we’re able to put a conservative estimate on how the ingredients in many everyday products are costing us our health (and money to treat). (7) In my opinion, it just doesn’t seem fair that companies get to profit from this while the citizens are stuck with the bill and illnesses. 

Avoid Plastics

Plastics contain endocrine disruptors that leach into food and water, particularly when heated. Opt for glass when possible, and don’t heat food in plastic containers or coated paperboard. University of Missouri analysts studying breast cancer growth found that a brand of water bottled in plastic caused a 78 percent increase in the cancer cell proliferation. (8)

Grecian researchers at the University of Ioannina found that after heating olive oil for 10 minutes at full power, 604.6 milligrams of the plasticizer DOA leeched from the plastic wrap into the oil. (9) Researchers Oi-Wah Lau and Siu-Kay Wong found that the fat content in cheeses caused the migration of plasticizers from cling wrap to increase exponentially: 60 percent after 10 minutes of microwave heating. (10)

Take on BPA

This is one of the worst hormone disruptors out there, in my opinion. Animal studies suggest exposure to it today can actually impact three future generations. (11) It’s clear we need stronger chemical reform laws to protect us from these widespread threats.

In the meantime, avoid canned food and instead choose fresh or frozen.

And just eat less packaged foods in general. In 2016, EWG found 16,000 foods and drinks that come in cans, bottles and jars could contain the estrogen-like chemical BPA. The EWG report found BPA is commonly used in:

• The lids of glass jars for baby food, pickles, jelly, salsa and other condiments
• Aerosol cans for whipped toppings and nonstick sprays
• Bottles and tins of cooking oil
• Aluminum beverage cans, metal coffee cans and even beer kegs (12)

Use Safe Household Cleansers

Avoid phthalates and other hormone disruptors by making your own cleaners. Buy environmentally safe laundry detergents and dishwashing liquid. You can also make your own cleansers of every type, like all-natural homemade laundry soap, homemade oven cleaner and homemade household cleaner. Back off on the antibacterial soaps and cleaners, and use less chemical disinfectants.

The FDA is banning triclosan and more than a dozen other antibacterial ingredients, but many will be on the market until September 2017. The replacement ingredients may not be necessary or safe, either, so just stick to regular Castile soap and water.

Rethink Your Birth Control

Choosing a more natural approach to birth control is safer than hormonal forms of contraception, especially since we now know birth control causes depression in some women. Conventional birth control pills work by putting synthetic forms of estrogen and progestin into the body. Adding unnatural hormones throws off the natural hormone balance in the body, resulting in unwanted birth control side effects. Condoms and non-hormonal IUDs are other options to consider. 

Read Your Health and Beauty Product Labels

The average person uses nine different personal care products a day that contain a whopping 126 different ingredients, according to EWG. (13) While the list of hormone-disrupting chemicals in cosmetics is long, here’s a great trick to quickly weed out products that likely contain endocrine-disrupting phthalates. Look on the ingredients list. If you see “fragrance” or “parfum,” avoid it. Those are catch-all terms that can include 3,000+ chemicals that often include phthalates.

You can also rate your current personal care products and find safer ones at Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety database.

Change Your Diet

What we eat and drink has a great deal to do with how many hormone disruptors we end up with. Anti-estrogenic diets have three major components: eating farther down on the food chain, eating less processed and chemically laden foods, and supplementing your diet with compounds that decrease estrogen excess and help your body to eliminate added hormones.

• Avoid processed and refined foods. Besides the many food additives and chemicals that processed and refined foods contain, the lack of fiber and extra sugar overwhelm your colon and liver so that circulating hormones are reabsorbed rather than eliminated.
• Avoid pesticides and herbicides. Buying organic can limit your intake of endocrine disruptors in and on fruits and vegetables.
• Buy pasture-raised animal products. Your best bet is to connect with a local farmer and learn about their farming practices. The ultimate goal is for the animal to to eat a natural, pesticide- and GMO-free diet. If that’s not possible, look for “American Grassfed” products or “Animal Welfare Approved.” When it comes to eggs, remember that “free-range” doesn’t necessarily mean that animals have access to grass. For eggs, pasture-raised and organic is the gold standard. “Natural” means nothing, so don’t trust that on the label.
• Eat detox veggies. The more fresh vegetables you eat, the lower you’re eating on the food chain. Toxins accumulate in the tissues of animals. Fresh veggies have a whole host of health benefits, as well as the ability to deflect excess estrogens. Cruciferous veggies, such as broccoli and cabbage, contain flavones and indoles that are particularly effective at battling estrogen excess. And, of course, avoid the high-estrogen foods.
• Buy local. Local farm methods are more transparent and accountable than big industry. They’re often a safer bet even if they haven’t been certified organic. DDT was banned as a pesticide in the U.S., but we still produce it and sell it to other countries. Much of the produce on our supermarket shelves comes from overseas. Megafarms in the U.S. regularly use estrogen in their feed for cattle, pigs and chickens.
• Avoid soy. We’ve all come to think of soy as a healthy alternative for protein and calcium. In fact, as a subsidized crop, soy has become so prevalent in so many foods that allergies are on the rise. It hides on labels as hydrolyzed vegetable protein, lecithin, starch and vegetable oil. Soy is a source of phytoestrogens. Because we are exposed to it so much in all of our foods (and health and beauty products), it’s becoming an endocrine disruptor (fermented soy has less detriments and more nutrients).

Chemicals might be just about everywhere, but you can make simple changes that greatly reduce your personal load of endocrine disruptors and what you pass on to your children.

Read Next: 10 Ways to Balance Hormones Naturally

The post How Endocrine Disruptors Destroy Your Body + The Dirty Dozen to Avoid appeared first on Dr. Axe.

You probably know that plastics are a huge source of environmental pollution, but it may be surprising to find out that microplastics are now detected in the air, the seafood we eat and even in our bodies.

Microplastics are both tiny (smaller than 5 millimeters in size) and toxic. These tiny particles are hiding in many surprising places. Do you know the latest source? Precipitation. That’s right, according to researchers, today’s weather report: it’s raining plastic.

It’s Raining Plastic: Study Details

The researchers behind a 2019 study collected atmospheric wet deposition (rain, snow or fog) samples in eight locations along the Front Range. This is a mountain range of the Southern Rocky Mountains located in the central region of the state of Colorado.

Researchers collected, filtered and analyzed precipitation samples. They were studying nitrogen pollution and not even looking to find plastic particles, but that’s exactly what they found. More specifically, the “unanticipated and opportune” discovery was that over 90 percent of the samples collected contained plastic.

The study highlights the fact that it’s not just urban sample areas, like Denver and Boulder, affected by plastic pollution.  Even a remote collection site — Loch Vale in Rocky Mountain National Park — harbored plastic fibers in its washout samples. So it’s not just raining plastic in cities, but in remote, nature-saturated areas as well.

What’s the main source of plastic? The team of researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) observed that the colorful strands of plastic appear to likely be synthetic microfibers, which often make up clothing.

Since this study wasn’t aiming to research plastic pollution, there isn’t a clear conclusion on how the plastics made their way into the Colorado precipitation samples. However, past research with similar results in the French Pyrenees mountains suggests that plastic particles are capable of traveling in the wind hundreds or even thousands of miles. Microplastics are also found in our waterways and groundwater today.

According to Sherri Mason, a microplastics researcher and sustainability coordinator at Penn State Behrend, trash is the main contributor because an estimated 90 percent of plastic waste is not recycled, and as it slowly degrades it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces. She points out that other sources include the plastic fibers which break off clothing each time they’re washed, as well as the plastic byproducts of many industrial processes.

Fast Facts: Microfiber Stats

• Microfibers can come from natural materials such as cotton or synthetic materials such as polyester, acrylic or nylon.
• Over time, any fabric will release microfibers, but while natural microfibers can break down more easily, synthetic fibers resist breakdown in the environment and therefore can increase in concentration over time.
• Synthetic microfibers are a main source of microplastic pollution.
• Polyester, acrylic, nylon and other synthetic fibers are estimated to be 60 percent of the material that makes up our clothing worldwide.
• There may be 1.4 million trillion microfibers in the ocean according to an extrapolation based on research conducted by George Leonard, chief scientist for The Ocean Conservancy.
• A recent study of stranded marine animals in the U.K. reveals that all 50 animals (across 10 species) contained microplastics; 84 percent of the plastic were synthetic microfibers.
• Microfibers can translocate and accumulate within animals like seafood that are then consumed by humans.
• Research reveals that 95 percent to 99 percent of microfibers may be captured in municipal wastewater treatment systems that are common in the United States.
• Worldwide, farmers use sewage sludge that contains microfiber as fertilizer for crops.
• Microfibers have also been found in tap water, bottled water, sea salt and beer.

Possible Health Effects of Microfibers

According to a scientific article published in Current Environmental Health Reports, “Microplastics may cause harm to humans via both physical and chemical pathways.”

The article warns that the potentially harmful health effects of microplastics may include:

• Enhanced inflammatory response
• Size-related toxicity of plastic particles
• Transfer of absorbed chemical pollutants to the body
• Disruption of the gut microbiome

According to a 2018 article published in Scientific American, “Small airborne particles are known to lodge deep in the lungs where they can cause various diseases, including cancer. Factory workers who handle nylon and polyester have shown evidence of lung irritation and reduced capacity (although not cancer), but they are exposed to much higher levels than the average person.”

In addition to negative effects on lung health, there are also concerns that microfibers negatively impact liver and brain health and may even increase the risk for brain damage.

How to Go on a Microfiber-Free Diet

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 35 percent of microplastic pollution comes from washing synthetic textiles.

Some of the best ways to reduce microfiber pollution:

• Purchase clothing and bedding made from natural materials like organic cotton, hemp, wool and linen.
• Buy secondhand clothes made from natural materials.
• Educated friends and family members about pollution from microfibers.
• Ask designers to consider using natural materials to create their clothing.
• If you already own synthetic clothing and bedding, wash them less often and for a shorter period of time.
• When cleaning out your dryer’s lint filter, place the lint in the trash rather than washing it down the drain.
• Consider air drying clothing.
• Use liquid laundry detergent since powders are known to scrub and loosen microfibers more so than liquid cleaners.
• Put synthetic clothing into a filter bag before machine or hand washing to cut down on the amount of microfibers that go down your drain.

Final Thoughts

Researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey who were initially investigating nitrogen pollution wound up discovering that it’s raining plastic. Precipitation can now be added to the list of places where microplastics are found. Other places include soil, bodies of natural water, seafood and other animals, ground water systems and the air.

• According to one of the researchers and USGS research chemist Gregory Wetherbee: “I think the most important result that we can share with the American public is that there’s more plastic out there than meets the eye. It’s in the rain, it’s in the snow. It’s a part of our environment now.”
• In addition to environmental effects, the fact that it’s raining plastic is a major concern for human health. As research continues, we’re finding out how microfibers and other microplastics can negatively impact the health of our bodies, especially our lungs, livers, brains and gut microbiome.
• This study and others reveal that microfibers from clothing made from synthetic materials are a main source of microplastic pollution. There’s a lot that can be done on an individual level to reduce microfibers. For starters, look for clothing and bedding made from natural materials like organic cotton. You can also decrease microfiber pollution by purchasing secondhand clothing, washing synthetic clothing less often and letting clothes air dry.
• While it’s disturbing to find out that it’s raining plastic, the good news is that you can start reducing microfiber pollution today.

The post Researchers Accidentally Discover That It’s Raining Plastic appeared first on Dr. Axe.

You’ve probably heard of adrenaline (or epinephrine) before, but what about another similar hormone called norepinephrine? Like adrenaline, it’s produced during the body’s natural “fight or flight” response and works as one of the body’s first responders to stressful situations.

The hormone also works as a vasoconstrictor, and the FDA has approved its use for blood pressure control and as an adjunct in the treatment of cardiac arrest for people with severely low pressure.

Like all hormones, when norepinephrine levels become too low or too high, it can lead to health conditions, including anxiety, blood pressure changes, brain fog and difficulty sleeping. The key is to keep these stress hormone levels in check by reducing daily stress levels, engaging in regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.

What Is Norepinephrine?

Norepinephrine, also called noradrenaline, is a neurotransmitter that belongs to a class of compounds known as catecholamines. Catecholamines are released into the blood in response to both physical and emotional stress. Norepinephrine is synthesized from dopamine and released from the adrenal medulla into the brain. It works as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and sympathetic nervous system, where it’s released from our noradrenergic neurons.

As a neurotransmitter, norepinephrine sends signals between our nerve cells. It works by activating alpha 1 receptors that constrict the arteries and work to increase blood pressure so that blood flow returns to the heart.

Noradrenaline also acts as a stress hormone and is widely used as a vasoactive agent that narrows blood vessels and increases blood pressure. It’s responsible for making your heart rate and blood pressure increase during the body’s natural fight or flight response.

When the brain is triggered by a stressful situation, either physical or emotional, the hormone is released into the blood to do its work. It increases your heart rate, boosts blood flow to your muscles and promotes the release of glucose into the blood.

Related: What Is Acetylcholine? Function, Benefits + Dosage of This Neurotransmitter

How It’s Used (and Benefits)

1. Increases Blood Pressure

The norepinephrine neurotransmitter is a peripheral vasoconstrictor, which means that it’s able to narrow your blood vessels and increase your blood pressure. For people with very low pressure that can’t be normalized with lifestyle changes, this can be beneficial.

Studies show that medications used to increase norepinephrine levels can be used by patients with symptomatic hypotension that’s unresponsive to remedies like increased water intake, may be important and effective.

The neurotransmitter is commonly used in intensive care units to treat septic shock, which is a severe infection that often leads to very low blood pressure levels and may cause organ failure. In these cases, norepinephrine is given through an IV by a healthcare professional to increase blood pressure levels to a normal range.

2. Increases Alertness and Arousal

Noradrenaline works as a neurotransmitter that increases alertness and arousal, and boosts mood too. When these hormone levels are normal, you’ll have a better ability to concentrate and stay focused. That’s exactly why low noradrenaline levels may lead to conditions such as ADHD.

Research shows that both noradrenaline and dopamine play a role in our ability to focus on everyday tasks. Many medications that are commonly prescribed to improve ADHD symptoms work to raise levels of norepinephrine, including Ritalin, Adderall and Dexedrine.

3. Improves Depression

Preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that disturbances in norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters in the central nervous system are involved in the underlying pathophysiology of depression.

Evidence for the involvement of noradrenaline in depression is abundant. Studies have found that the hormone plays a determinant role in regulating cognition, motivation and intellect, which are all important functions in social relationships.

Researchers point out social dysfunction being one of the most important factors affecting our quality of life may be one major reason why low norepinephrine may lead to depression symptoms.

4. Improves Sleep

When it comes to norepinephrine for sleep, many antidepressants that affect the hormone’s signaling are also used to treat insomnia. Studies show that the neurotransmitter is involved in increasing the arousal system, and it impacts the efficacy of many wake- and sleep-promoting medications.

The right amount of the hormone in your body will promote normal sleep, but too much of it will boost arousal and cause sleep issues.

Related: Stress Hormones: How Diet Affects Hormonal Balance

Norepinephrine vs. Epinephrine

What’s the difference between epinephrine and norepinephrine? Both are neurotransmitters and hormones that are produced during the body’s “fight or flight” response and both have important medical or therapeutic uses. Epinephrine, or adrenaline, is well known for its ability to treat anaphylaxis, and it’s also used in cases of cardiac arrest and severe asthma attacks.

An injection of epinephrine can save the life of someone having a severe allergic reaction by opening up the airways so the person can breath. It can also restart your heart during cardiac arrest, when it has stopped pumping.

The biggest difference between epinephrine and norepinephrine is that the latter effects your blood vessels, acting as a vasoconstrictor that works to increase blood pressure, while an adrenaline rush directly effects your heart’s function.

How to Boost Norepinephrine Levels

To increase your norepinephrine levels, some doctors may prescribe serotonin norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which are drugs for depression, or amphetamines, which are often used to treat ADD and ADHD.

Unfortunately, there are some common side effects of antidepressants, like upset stomach, headaches, restlessness, sexual dysfunction and suicidal thoughts.

For people with low norepinephrine levels, there are also ways to raise the hormone levels naturally. Getting enough sleep and exercising regularly can help to boost norepinephrine.

Studies indicate that our catecholamine levels increase markedly during exercise. Taking serious steps to reduce stress in your life can have a major impact on normalizing stress hormone levels.

Another way to increase norepinephrine levels is by increasing dopamine, which is a precursor for the important neurotransmitter. Taking supplements that will help to boost dopamine, like amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine may be helpful. There are also brain-boosting norepinephrine supplements on the market that are used to promote dopamine production.

For emergency situations, like sepsis and severe hypotension, norepinephrine is typically administered by continuous IV infusion. This is because the vasoconstrictor has a relatively short half-life of 2.5 minutes. The concentrated norepinephrine drip solution is usually diluted in dextrose-containing solutions in order to provide protection against potential oxidation and loss of drug potency.

To increase norepinephrine as a hypotension treatment, the infusion usually starts at 8 micrograms to 12 micrograms per minute and is then titrated to the desired pressure depending on the patient’s condition. The average maintenance norepinephrine dose is 2–4 micrograms per minute.

Deficiency Symptoms

Norepinephrine deficiency occurs when the neurotransmitter levels become too low. People with certain health conditions, like chronic stress and poor nutrition, or those taking certain medications may develop a deficiency because the body begins to produce less norepinephrine than what is needed.

This can contribute to a range of physical and mental conditions, including:

• depression
• anxiety
• lack of interest
• low energy
• daytime fatigue
• general apathy
• ADHD symptoms
• trouble sleeping
• memory problems
• brain fog
• migraines
• fibromyalgia
• restless leg syndrome
• hypoglycemia
• low blood pressure

Research shows that norepinephrine deficiency is caused by the degeneration of neurons from the brain. This can be due to chronic stress, obesity and certain medical conditions, like Parkinson’s disease.

Signs of Too Much

It is possible for your norepinephrine levels to become too high, causing health issues like high blood pressure, heart palpitations, headaches and anxiety.

When these hormone levels increase rapidly, it can even lead to panic attack symptoms. Too much norepinephrine can be caused by a few factors, including chronic stress and obesity.

As of the five major neurotransmitters that are responsible for regulating mood, energy, sleep and memory, a sudden rush of norepinephrine can make your body think it’s in danger, leading to noticeable symptoms.

Risks and Side Effects

Norepinephrine should be used to improve hypotension by trained healthcare professionals. It works as a vasoconstrictor and too much of it can result in decreased blood flow to major organs, potentially leading to irreversible organ injury and failure.

Research shows that when the vasoconstrictor is used to treat low blood pressure in the case of hypovolemia, or a state of decreased blood volume or body fluid, norepinephrine is not the best therapeutic agent.

Norepinephrine hormone should not be used by patients with vascular thrombosis, as its vasoconstriction effects will increase the area of ischemia and infraction.

People using brain-boosting supplements that are used to increase dopamine levels should first consult with a healthcare professional, especially if they are already taking pharmaceutical medications or other dietary supplements.

Final Thoughts

• Norepinephrine, or noradrenaline, is a neurotransmitter and stress hormone that belongs to a class of compounds known as catecholamines.
• This stress hormone is released into the blood in response to both physical and emotional stress. It’s known as one of the first responders to stress.
• What is norepinephrine used for? It works as a vasoconstrictor that narrows blood vessels and increases blood pressure. It has also shown to improve attention and focus, symptoms of depression and sleep.
• Supplements that are used to increase dopamine may help to boost norepinephrine levels. Other ways to boost this hormone naturally include regular exercise and getting enough rest.

The post Norepinephrine: How to Boost This Important Stress Hormone appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Addison’s disease, also called primary or chronic adrenal insufficiency or hypocortisolism, is one type of endocrine disorder that affects about one in 100,000 people. Addison’s disease symptoms are usually prominent and include weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure and digestive issues.

It’s believed that Addison’s disease is usually autoimmune in nature and a result of adrenal impairments that cause low levels of cortisol. About 70 percent of reported cases of Addison’s disease are thought to be caused by autoimmune diseases in which the immune system makes high levels of antibodies to destroy the adrenal glands.

While Addison’s disease is a rare condition, recent data suggests an increasing prevalence. Women develop Addison’s disease more often than men, and this condition occurs most often in people between the ages of 30 and 50, however people of all ages can be affected.

What Is Addison’s Disease?

Addison’s disease is another name for the condition called chronic adrenal insufficiency, which occurs when someone’s adrenal glands don’t produce high enough levels of several important hormones, including cortisol and sometimes aldosterone.

The adrenal glands are located just above the kidneys and have the important role of producing adrenaline-like hormones and corticosteroids (also called “stress hormones”), which have many functions both in times of acute stress and also when someone is simply living everyday life. These hormones are needed to maintain homeostasis and to send “instructions” to organs and tissues throughout the body. Hormones that are affected by Addison’s disease include glucocorticoids (such as cortisol), mineralocorticoids (including aldosterone) and androgens (male sex hormones).

What does Addison’s disease do to the body? Because certain key hormones are missing that normally regulate functions like conversion of nutrients to energy, wakefulness, electrolyte balance, sex drive, fluid retention and body weight, symptoms can include chronic fatigue, changes in weight and appetite, depression, digestive issues, low blood pressure and others. While this condition can be life-threatening in some cases, usually symptoms are able to be managed with the help of hormone replacement therapy.

Primary Adrenal Insufficiency vs. Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency

There are two main classifications of adrenal disorders. Addison’s disease is also called “primary adrenal insufficiency“ and is caused by illnesses of the adrenal glands themselves, including adrenal cancer, infections or bleeding. Primary adrenal insufficiency is diagnosed when about 90 percent of the adrenal cortex has been destroyed. These types are less common and usually cause physical damage to the adrenal glands that can be detected.

The second group of adrenal disorders is called “secondary adrenal insufficiency,” which is much more common. These types are stress-related and autoimmune in nature. They develop despite no physical illnesses in the adrenal glands; however, they can still cause serious hormonal imbalances and symptoms. People with secondary adrenal insufficiency don’t typically experience skin changes (hyperpigmentation), severe dehydration or low blood pressure but are more likely to have low blood sugar.

Addison’s Disease Symptoms

The most common Addison’s disease symptoms include:

• Chronic fatigue (lasting more than a couple of weeks)
• Muscle weakness
• Changes in appetite (especially a loss of appetite)
• Weight loss
• Digestive issues (including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
• Low blood pressure
• Dizziness or fainting
• Mood changes, irritability and depression
• Headaches
• Cravings for salty foods
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Trouble sleeping, which leads to always feeling tired
• Sweating and night-sweating
• Irregular periods or missed periods in women
• Low libido
• Joint pain
• Hair loss

Acute Adrenal Failure Symptoms (Addisonian Crisis)

A rare and severe form of acute adrenal failure can sometimes occur that is referred to as adrenal crisis (or Addisonian/Addison disease crisis).

This tends to occur after a traumatic life experience or physical injury takes place, which places even more stress on the adrenals and worsens symptoms. It results in low blood pressure, low blood levels of sugar and high blood levels of potassium.

Severe adrenal insufficiency is caused by insufficient levels of cortisol, possibly due to not initially treating a case of milder adrenal insufficiency. This condition is life-threatening and must be treated immediately by professionals, so it’s important to go to the emergency room right away if symptoms show up.

According to the National Institute of Health, symptoms of adrenal crisis include:

• Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
• Confusion or coma
• Dehydration
• Loss of consciousness, dizziness or light-headedness
• Fatigue and weakness
• Headache
• High fever
• Loss of appetite
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate
• Joint pain and slow, sluggish movement
• Unusual and excessive sweating
• Cravings for salt

Causes of Addison’s Disease

What is the most common cause of Addison disease? Addison’s disease causes usually include some type of damage to the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands lose the ability to adequately respond to a stimulating hormone called adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) produced by the pituitary gland. The intricate system in the body called the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis no longer functions to send and receive signals that govern hormone production.

In developed countries, autoimmune reactions are usually the cause of adrenal damage and Addison’s disease. An autoimmune reaction is when your immune system starts attacking its own healthy tissue because it mistakenly suspects the body is being attacked by a “foreign invader.” Many people with Addison’s disease also have other types of autoimmune disorders. Recent research suggests autoimmune disease reactions involved in Addison’s is multifactorial, involving variants in immune genes and environmental factors.

Certain medications, genetic factors, surgery, illnesses and serious infections can also cause adrenal problems like secondary adrenal insufficiency. Studies have found that worldwide, possible causes include infection and viruses such as sepsis, tuberculosis and HIV affect adrenal glands, along with bilateral adrenal hemorrhages and neoplastic processes.

While autoimmune reactions are the most common cause of Addison’s disease, factors that can worsen this condition and contribute to adrenal damage or autoimmune responses may include:

• High levels of stress, or a very stressful experience (like death in the family or major life change)
• Exposure to environmental toxins and pollution
• Lack of sleep and constantly pushing yourself despite feeling exhausted
• Poor diet (including one that triggers allergies)
• Over-exercising/overtraining, or a lack of exercise
• Genetic factors … One type of adrenal insufficiency is Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), which is genetic and a condition that a baby is born with. This type is rare, affecting just one in every 10,000–18,000 babies and is caused by a lack of certain enzymes that the adrenal glands need to make hormones, resulting in high androgen production.

Some medications can also affect the adrenals in a negative way. Adrenal insufficiency can develop when a person taking glucocorticoid hormones (like prednisone) for a long time, which act similarly to cortisol, suddenly stops taking those medications. If you’re on any prescriptions for treating inflammatory illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, asthma or ulcerative colitis, talk to your doctor about how to adjust your dosage appropriately before changing them yourself, since these can lower ACTH and cortisol.

Addison’s Disease Diagnosis and Conventional Treatment

An Addison’s disease diagnosis is based on results from tests that can include a physical exam, blood tests and urine tests, which can check for levels of ACTH, cortisol and other factors. A diagnosis of Addison’s is often delayed; studies show that about 60 percent of patients have seen two or more clinicians before a diagnosis of Addison’s is considered, sometimes because this condition is confused with other disorders, such as other autoimmune conditions or thyroid disorders. And around one-half of patients with Addison’s are only diagnosed after an acute adrenal crisis occurs.

• The ACTH stimulation test is the most commonly used and involves getting an injection of synthetic ACTH along with testing reactions in the blood and urine for changes in cortisol levels. Even with ACTH administered, people with adrenal insufficiency have little or no increase in cortisol.
• A CRH stimulation test can also help determine the cause of adrenal insufficiency and involves blood being taken before and 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after an ACTH injection.
• Blood tests (such as an insulin-induced hypoglycemia test) can also reveal low blood sodium, low blood glucose and high blood potassium, which are sometimes observed in people with adrenal problems.
• A blood test can also be used to detect antibodies, proteins made by the immune system, that are associated with autoimmune diseases.
• A CT scan (computerized tomography scan ) may also be used  to check the size of the adrenal glands.

Addison’s disease treatment almost always involves hormone replacement therapy, commonly using oral corticosteroids. Medications used to replace missing hormones include hydrocortisone (Cortef), prednisone or methylprednisolone to replace cortisol, and fludrocortisone acetate to replace aldosterone. During an emergency/crisis, intravenous injections of corticosteroids, saline solution or sugar (dextrose) may be needed.

What is the life expectancy of a person with Addison’s disease?

Until recently, life expectancy in Addison’s disease patients was considered normal. But according to a 2009 study published in the European Journal of Endocrinology, “Addison’s disease is still a potentially lethal condition, with excess mortality in acute adrenal failure, infection and sudden death in patients diagnosed at young age. Otherwise, the prognosis is excellent for patients with Addison’s disease.”

Acute adrenal failure has been found to be a major cause of death, followed by infection. In this particular study, the mean ages at death for females (75.7 years) and males (64.8 years) were 3.2 and 11.2 years less, respectively, than the estimated life expectancy for the general population.

Natural Remedies for Chronic Adrenal Insufficiency

1. Consume Enough Salt

Addison’s disease can result in low aldosterone levels, which increases the need for salt. According to The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, some people can benefit from following a high-sodium diet; however, it’s best to get advice from your doctor or a dietitian regarding how much sodium is best for you to have each day. If you do need to increase your intake, try getting sodium from healthy foods such as broths, sea vegetables and sea salt.

Your need for salt (sodium) will also increase if you engage in heavy exercise, if you’re sweating a lot due to hot weather or if you have gastrointestinal upset that results in vomiting or diarrhea.

2. Get Plenty of Calcium and Vitamin D

Taking corticosteroid drugs has been linked to a higher risk of osteoporosis and loss of bone density, which means that consuming enough calcium and vitamin D is critical for protecting bone health. Your doctor may also recommend taking vitamin D3 and calcium supplements.

You can increase your intake of calcium by eating foods high in calcium like dairy products such as raw milk, yogurt, kefir and fermented cheeses, green vegetables such as kale and broccoli, sardines, beans and almonds. The best way to increase vitamin D levels naturally is to spend some time in the sun each day with your skin exposed, about 10 to 20 minutes most days if possible.

3. Eat An Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Foods/beverages to limit or avoid in order to support your immune system include:

• Too much alcohol or caffeine, which interfere with your sleep cycle and can result in anxiety or depression
• Most sources of sugar and sweeteners (including high-fructose corn syrup, packaged sweet products and refined grains)
• As much packaged and processed foods as possible, since these are filled with many types of artificial ingredients, preservatives, sugars and sodium
• Hydrogenated and refined vegetable oils (soybean, canola, safflower, sunflower and corn)

Replace these with as much whole, unrefined food as possible. Some of the best choices included in an anti-inflammatory diet include:

• Natural, healthy fats (coconuts and coconut oil, butter, avocado, nuts, seeds and olive oil, for example)
• Plenty of vegetables (especially all leafy greens and cruciferous veggies like cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, etc.)
• Wild-caught fish (such as salmon, mackerel or sardines that provide anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids)
• High-quality animal products that are grass-fed, pasture-raised and organic (eggs, beef, chicken and turkey, for example)
• Sea vegetables like kelp and seaweed (high in iodine to support thyroid health)
• Celtic or Himalayan sea salt
• High-fiber foods like berries, chia seeds, flaxseeds and starchy veggies
• Probiotic foods like kombucha, sauerkraut, yogurt and kefir
• Herbs and spices like ginger, turmeric, parsley, etc.

4. Manage Stress

Be sure to prioritize good sleep and get plenty of quality rest, since a lack of sleep means the adrenal glands need to crank out extra stress hormones like cortisol. Aim for eight to 10 hours of sleep per night depending on your specific needs.

While exercising in a way that is gentle and enjoyable is important for overall health, be sure to give yourself rest when needed, allow for adequate muscle recovery, take rest days and don’t overexert yourself.

Other ways to help manage stress include:

• Practicing hobbies or something fun every day
• Meditation and healing prayer
• Relaxing breathing techniques
• Spending time outside, in the sunlight and in nature
• Maintaining a consistent and reasonable work schedule
• Eating on a regular schedule and avoiding too many stimulants, like alcohol, sugar and caffeine
• Getting professional help when needed to deal with major life events or traumas

5. Consider Supplements That Support Your Stress Response

Certain supplements may be able to help support your immune system and help you cope with stress. Some examples include:

• Medicinal mushrooms, such as reishi and cordyceps
• Adaptogen herbs like ashwagandha, holy basil and astragalus
• Ginseng
• Magnesium (glycerate or oxide may be best to prevent diarrhea)
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Taking a quality multivitamin that provides B vitamins, vitamin D and calcium as well as a probiotic supplement can also be supportive of gut health and defend against nutrient deficiencies

6. Take Steps To Prevent Complications

To help prevent an emergency and lower risk for adrenal crisis complications, it’s recommended that people with Addison’s disease:

• Visit an endocrinology specialist at least once a year
• Have an annual screening for a number of autoimmune diseases
• Carry a steroid emergency card, medical alert identification kit and glucocorticoid injection kit with them

Precautions and Side Effects of Treatments

Keep in mind that medication dosages may need to be adjusted from time to time based on factors like stress and symptoms. For example, operation, an infection or an illness can mean a higher dosage is needed to manage Addison’s disease. It’s important to follow up with your doctor if you notice any increase in symptoms or signs of Addison’s disease crisis, such as abdominal pain, confusion, sudden salt cravings, dizziness and intense fatigue and weakness.

What happens if Addison’s disease is not treated?

If the condition progresses to adrenal crisis and is left untreated, people can suffer serious symptoms and even die suddenly, so this is a situation to take very seriously. Adrenal crisis intervention usually involves high dose steroid injections, fluids and electrolytes to help restore function of the adrenal and pituitary glands.

Final Thoughts

• Addison’s disease is another name for the condition called chronic adrenal insufficiency, which occurs when someone’s adrenal glands don’t produce high enough levels of several important hormones, including cortisol and aldosterone.
• Addison’s disease symptoms typically include fatigue, nausea, darkening of the skin, low blood pressure, dizziness and others.
• The most common Addison’s disease cause is an autoimmune reaction that damages the adrenal glands. Factors that can worsen this condition include stress, a poor diet, illnesses or infections, trauma or operations.
• Addison’s disease treatment involves taking hormones to replace those that are not being produced by the adrenal glands. Other natural remedies for Addison’s disease include consuming enough salt, managing stress, eating a supportive diet and taking supplements like adaptogens and certain vitamins.

The post Addison’s Disease: 6 Ways to Manage Chronic Adrenal Insufficiency appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Subclinical hypothyroidism — which affects between an estimated 3 to 8 percent of the population, especially women and older adults — can be the cause of symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety and poor memory.

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is considered a type of “mild thyroid failure,” and in some cases is an early form of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism describes a condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, which include thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The main concern with SCH is that it may progress to clinical hypothyroidism and can possibly cause complications like cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment and mood-related problems.

When it comes to treating subclinical hypothyroidism, there’s ongoing debate about the best approach. In fact, it’s controversial as to what even qualifies as thyroid disease and what levels of hormones fall outside of the “normal” range.

Will someone with subclinical hypothyroidism benefit from the same type of hypothyroidism diet that are recommended to those with a more advanced form of thyroid disease? In most cases, yes — although treating thyroid issues can be complicated and often takes patience and a personalized plan.

What Is Subclinical Hypothyroidism?

In order to be diagnosed with SCH, which is sometimes referred to as subclinical thyroid disease, a blood test must show that someone has peripheral thyroid hormone levels that are within the normal range, but thyroid-stimulating hormone (or TSH) levels that are mildly elevated.

What does it mean if someone’s TSH level is elevated? Thyroid stimulating hormone is produced in the pituitary gland, which is stimulated by the hypothalamus in the brain. TSH has the job of telling the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormones when levels drop too low. This means that elevated TSH is a sign the body is trying to make more thyroid hormones.

T3 and T4 are released into the bloodstream and then travel throughout the body, controlling metabolism and the body’s use of energy. This means that people with subclinical hypothyroidism and clinical hypothyroidism will usually experience symptoms that are associated with a slow metabolism.

Some people with subclinical hypothyroidism will have no symptoms at all, or only very mild symptoms. When they do occur, subclinical hypothyroidism symptoms and complications can include:

• Fatigue
• Depression, anxiety and moodiness
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Weight gain
• Puffy face
• Muscle weakness, aches, tenderness and stiffness
• Heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods
• Thinning hair
• Slowed heart rate
• Impaired memory
• Low libido
• Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
• Higher risk of progression to overt hypothyroidism. One study found that this occurs in about 28 percent of people with SCH who are over 55 years old.
• Possible decrease in quality of life, may be due to anxiety, low libido, low energy and sleep-related issues.
• Possibility of higher risk for cardiovascular conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and congestive heart failure, particularly in people younger than 70 years (studies show those aged 70 and 80 years have no additional risk).

In case you’re wondering, the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism is this: hypothyroidism describes an underactive thyroid, while hyperthyroidism describes an overactive thyroid. These two thyroid disorders often cause opposite symptoms.

Can you have normal TSH levels but still be hypothyroid? Yes, it’s possible. Having a low level of T4 (lower than 5 to 13.5 micrograms per deciliter) but a normal TSH level may indicate that you have hypothyroidism. On the other hand, subclinical hypothyroidism is defined as normal serum free thyroxine (T4) combined with elevated TSH.

What causes subclinical hypothyroidism?

The causes of subclinical hypothyroidism are the same as those of hypothyroidism. The most common cause of elevated TSH is autoimmune thyroid disease, also known as Hashimoto’s disease. Studies show that antithyroid antibodies associated with Hashimoto’s can be detected in about 80 percent of patients with SCH. Other causes of SCH can include: radioiodine therapy, radiation therapy, thyroid surgery, granulomatous thyroiditis, lack of iodine and pregnancy or being postpartum. Chronic stress, sleep deprivation, poor gut health and nutrient deficiencies can also be contributing factors.

Should You Treat Subclinical Hypothyroidism?

Doctors diagnose subclinical hypothyroidism using results from a blood test showing elevated TSH hormone. Because thyroid disorders can be complex, it’s recommended that patients have a full hormone panel done (a more detailed test showing levels of all thyroid hormones) in order to determine the best type of treatment for the patient’s condition.

Once diagnosed, can subclinical hypothyroidism be cured?

There is no “cure” for a hypothyroidism diagnosis, but there may be ways to naturally increase thyroid hormone production. Clinical hypothyroidism is usually manageable using a combination of lifestyle changes and medication; however, it’s debatable whether subclinical hypothyroidism should be treated the same way. Clinicians have different opinions regarding the best approach when it comes to subclinical hypothyroidism treatment because not all patients deal with symptoms that impact their quality of life.

The exact upper limit of “normal” for serum TSH levels remains a subject of debate. Currently, the standard treatment approach for hypothyroidism is to treat people with a persistent serum TSH level of more than 10.0 mIU/L. In this case, it’s routine to use medications including levothyroxine in order to bring thyroid hormone levels within the normal range.

For people with TSH levels of less than 10.0 mIU/L, “individualized therapy” is recommended based on the patient’s symptoms, medical history, risk for progressing to hypothyroidism, age and other factors.

Research shows that about 80 percent of patients with SCH have a serum TSH of less than 10 mIU/L. Some experts believe that the upper limit of normal for the serum TSH level should be between 3.0 and 5.0 mIU/L, or possibly even as low as 2.5 mIU/L.

Medication is often not be the best treatment approach for patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. A 2007 meta-analysis of 14 randomized clinical trials found evidence that levothyroxine replacement therapy for SCH does not result in improved survival or decreased cardiovascular morbidity and does not improve quality of life — such as by improving mood, anxiety and cognition — compared to those not being treated.

3 Natural Remedies

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to treating subclinical hypothyroidism that will work for everyone, many people can benefit from making changes to their diet and lifestyle, including how they manage stress, sleep and exercise.

1. Subclinical Hypothyroidism Diet

Studies are yet to find a dietary approach that will help naturally treat all cases of hypothyroidism/subclinical hypothyroidism. That being said, many people with SCH are dealing with an autoimmune endocrine disorder due to their thyroid gland being inflamed (Hashimoto’s), which is tied to issues including poor gut health, allergies, sensitives and chronic low-grade inflammation.

The first step in dealing with thyroid problems is to eliminate the causes of thyroid dysfunction, such as a poor diet, overuse of medications, nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress and exhaustion that leads to hormonal changes. Many people with hypothyroidism find eliminating foods that contribute to inflammation and immune reactions will help manage their symptoms. These can include foods that contain gluten, dairy, refined oils, added sugar, refined grains and synthetic additives. Instead, it’s helpful to focus on foods that help heal the GI tract, balance hormones and reduce inflammation, such as:

• Foods high in iodine, since a diet low in iodine and selenium (which are trace minerals crucial for thyroid function) increases the risk for hypothyroid disorders. Iodine and selenium are found in foods like seaweed, eggs, fish and seafood, liver, oats, real sea salt, yogurt, lima beans, turkey, raw milk and cheeses, brazil nuts, spinach and bananas.
• Wild-caught fish that provide the omega-3 fatty acids
• Healthy fats like coconut oil and olive oil
• Seaweeds, which are the best natural sources of iodine and help prevent deficiencies that disturb thyroid function
• Probiotic-rich foods, like kefir (a fermented dairy product), organic goat’s milk yogurt, kimchi, kombucha, natto, sauerkraut and other fermented veggies
• Sprouted seeds, like flax, hemp and chia seeds
• High-fiber foods, include fresh vegetables, berries, beans, lentils and seeds
• Bone broth, which can help repair the digestive lining and provide numerous important minerals that prevent deficiencies
• A wide variety of fruits and vegetables

2. Getting Rest, Managing Stress and Exercising Appropriately

Over-exertion and chronic stress, including from sleep deprivation, too much exercise and a packed schedule, can raise levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, and adrenaline, which can contribute to hormonal imbalances and thyroid disease. While exercise has many benefits, such as helping with sleep and managing a healthy weight, overtraining can place too much stress on the body; therefore, gentler, more restorative types of exercises are better suited for some people with low thyroid function.

3. Supplements

Certain supplements can be helpful for managing hypothyroid symptoms, such as fatigue or brain-fog, including:

• Iodine (if a deficiency is a contributing cause)
• B vitamin complex
• Probiotic supplement
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Ashwagandha and other adaptogen herbs
• Selenium
• L-tyrosine

Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Pregnancy

Subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy can affect some women who ordinarily do not deal with thyroid-related issues when not pregnant. This condition is known as postpartum thyroiditis. The symptoms often disappear within 12—18 months after giving birth but can also lead to permanent hypothyroidism in some cases. A woman may be diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism during pregnancy or postpartum if her blood TSH level is found to be elevated above 2.5 mIU/L in the first trimester or 3.0 mIU/L in the second and third trimesters.

Certain studies have found that newborns born to mothers who have SCH during pregnancy may be at risk for certain health problems, including issues with cognitive development. There’s also some evidence showing that SCH may also increase the risk for miscarriage.

While there’s debate over when treatment is necessary, screening of pregnant women for SCH — plus use of medication in women with SCH who are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant — is recommended. A number of studies have found that treatment is associated with a reduced risk of pregnancy loss in women with a TSH level between 4.1 to 10, but not for a TSH level between 2.5 to 4.

Final Thoughts

• What is subclinical hypothyroidism? Subclinical hypothyroidism (or SCH) is a mild form of hypothyroidism, a condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones.
• Should you treat subclinical hypothyroidism? This is an ongoing topic of debate, since it’s controversial what even qualifies as thyroid disease.
• Currently, subclinical hypothyroidism treatment guidelines tell us that all patients with a TSH greater than 10 mIU/L should be treated with levothyroxine replacement therapy. Treatment of patients with a serum TSH level between 5 and 10 mIU/L remains up for debate.
• Subclinical hypothyroidism symptoms do not affect every person with this condition; many have no noticeable symptoms at all and do not experience an improvement in quality of life with medication use.
• While medication may not be a good option for many people with SCH, diet and lifestyle changes can often help to reduce symptoms and prevent the condition from progressing.

The post Subclinical Hypothyroidism Symptoms (Plus, 3 Natural Remedies) appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Thyroid problems can affect anyone of any age from infancy to the latest years of life. According to the American Thyroid Association, over 12 percent of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition at some point. Currently, an estimated 20 million Americans have a form of thyroid disease and as many as 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are not even aware that they have a problem! In addition, women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems.

With stats like these, it’s really important to know the signs of hypothyroidism vs. hyperthyroidism since these are two of the most common thyroid issues today. What are the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism? To some degree, hyperthyroidism vs. hypothyroidism symptoms can be somewhat opposite as you’re about to see, but there’s more to it than that.

Once you figure out if you’re dealing with hypothyroidism vs. hyperthyroidism, you can figure out a treatment plan. Thankfully, there are many natural ways to treat hypothyroidism as well as hyperthyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism vs. Hypothyroidism

The thyroid is a small gland located at the base of your neck, sometimes described as butterfly-shaped. Meanwhile, at the base of the brain sits the pituitary gland, which secretes the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH makes the thyroid produce and release thyroxine, the main thyroid hormone.

In one way or another, your thyroid is connected to the way every organ in your body functions. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are the two conditions that affect how an improperly working thyroid might cause symptoms throughout the body.

If you suspect you have a thyroid problem, it’s helpful to know the difference between hypothyroidism vs. hyperthyroidism symptoms so you can discuss what you’ve been experiencing with your healthcare provider. These symptoms are definitely not something to ignore and left untreated; a thyroid problem can get worse.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

When you produce too much thyroid hormone, you can develop hyperthyroidism. Some of the causes of hyperthyroidism include Grave’s disease, a swollen thyroid or thyroid nodules.

There are many signs and symptoms your doctor may recognize as being caused by hyperthyroidism, including:

• Unintentional weight loss, even when your appetite and food intake stay the same or increase
• Rapid heartbeat (commonly more than 100 beats per minute)
• Irregular heartbeat
• Heart palpitations
• Increased appetite
• Nervousness, anxiety and irritability
• Tremor (typically a fine trembling in your hands and fingers)
• Sweating
• Changes in menstrual patterns
• Increased sensitivity to heat
• Changes in bowel patterns, especially more frequent bowel movements
• An enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), which may appear as a swelling at the base of your neck
• Fatigue, muscle weakness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Skin thinning
• Fine, brittle hair

According to Mayo Clinic, “Older adults are more likely to have either no signs or symptoms or subtle ones, such as an increased heart rate, heat intolerance and a tendency to become tired during ordinary activities.” If left unchecked, people with hyperthyroidism can lose bone density and develop an irregular heartbeat, increasing their risk for stroke.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

The opposite of an overactive thyroid is, logically, an underactive thyroid. If your physician tests you for hypothyroidism, it’s likely you’re experiencing symptoms such as:

• Fatigue
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Weight gain
• Puffy face
• Hoarseness
• Muscle weakness
• Elevated blood cholesterol level
• Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
• Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
• Heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods
• Thinning hair
• Slowed heart rate
• Depression
• Impaired memory
• Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)

Hyperthyroidism vs. Hypothyroidism Labs

As you can see from these lists of symptoms, there is a pretty large difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism symptoms, but to determine for sure which health concern you may or may not be dealing with, it’s important to have lab work done.

Your doctor will test your blood levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine. There are clear differences in hypothyroidism vs. hyperthyroidism lab values, especially hyperthyroidism vs. hypothyroidism TSH levels. A low level of thyroxine and high level of TSH can indicate an underactive (hypo) thyroid. High levels of thyroxine and low or nonexistent levels of TSH can mean you have an overactive (hyper) thyroid.

What is the TSH level for hyperthyroidism? The “normal range” for the TSH test can vary between labs, but it’s usually between 0.5 to 4.0–5.5 milli-international units per liter (mIU/L). Hyperthyroidism may be suspected by your doctor if your TSH level is below 0.5, but additional testing is needed. According to Christian Nasr, MD of Cleveland Clinic, “As long as your TSH is not lower than 0.1 and you do not have high T4 or T3 and you do not have symptoms of hyperthyroidism, then you could continue to have the TSH monitored every six months. No intervention is needed.”

What level of TSH indicates hypothyroidism? If your TSH is high (over 4.0) on repeat tests, this can indicate that your thyroid is not producing enough thyroid hormone and you may have hypothyroidism. If you have hypothyroidism, other thyroid function tests, including free T4 and free T3, will also be low.

It’s important to know a TSH test alone does not tell you why your TSH levels are too high or too low. If you receive abnormal TSH results, your doctor should request more labs that hone in on the differences between hyperthyroidism vs. hypothyroidism pathophysiology, including:

• T4 thyroid hormone tests
• T3 thyroid hormone tests
• Tests to diagnose Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disease that causes hyperthyroidism
• Tests to diagnose Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that causes hypothyroidism

Hyperthyroidism vs. Hypothyroidism Treatment

Is hypothyroidism curable? There is no cure for a hypothyroidism diagnosis, but there may be ways to naturally increase thyroid hormone production through dietary means, such as a hypothyroidism diet. The conventional treatment for hypothyroidism is levothyroxine sodium tablets, also known as Synthroid. This medication is taken as a synthetic hormone replacement to help regulate thyroid levels. Doctors typically recommend taking this medication daily for the rest of one’s life.

The first step in natural treatment of hypothyroidism is to eliminate the causes of thyroid dysfunction, such as inflammation, overuse of medications, nutrient deficiencies and changes in hormones due to stress. The hypothyroidism diet eliminates foods that can cause inflammation and immune reactions and instead focuses on foods that help heal the GI tract, balance hormones and reduce inflammation.

What about conventional treatment of hyperthyroidism? There are medications commonly prescribed to limit the activity of a hyper thyroid such as Methimazole or Propylthiouracil (PTU). Surgery may be another conventional recommendation as a last resort to remove all or part of the thyroid if anti-thyroid medications do not work. It’s worth researching ways to treat hyperthyroidism naturally, as removing sources of inflammation from your diet and taking advantage of thyroid-supporting supplements and essential oils may help make a huge difference.

Hyperthyroidism vs. Hypothyroidism: Which is Worse?

These are two different conditions and one isn’t necessarily “worse” than the other. In the United States, hypothyroidism is more common than hyperthyroidism. Some experts think that hypothyroidism is more difficult to manage, but hyperthyroidism may cause more immediate problems. If you suspect you have either condition, it’s very important to see your healthcare provider right away.

Can You Have Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism at the Same Time?

It is not possible to have both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism at the same time. However, it is possible to go back and forth between these two thyroid problems.

If you are currently receiving treatment for a thyroid problem and your thyroid function begins to shift between underactive and overactive, your medication may be the cause and you should talk to your doctor right away.

This is according to Marius Stan, M.D. of Mayo Clinic who also explains, “If you don’t have a history of thyroid problems, the most common reason for a change in thyroid function is inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis). Initially, thyroiditis leads to overactive thyroid function because when the thyroid first becomes inflamed, it releases all its stored hormones. After that, the thyroid slowly begins to return to normal, but it doesn’t maintain its usual hormone production. So once the hormone stores are depleted, hypothyroidism develops. Its outcome depends on the type of thyroiditis, as follows.”

Dr. Stan goes on to explain that there are two types of thyroiditis, subacute thyroiditis and silent thyroiditis. Subacute thyroiditis is caused by a virus and includes pain that starts at the front of the neck and spreads toward the ears. Subacute thyroiditis often resolves on its own without any lasting problems. Silent thyroiditis is a painless autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks thyroid tissue. With this type of thyroiditis, thyroid function can go back to normal after an initial episode, but it can happen again and over time, it can turn into a long-term case of hypothyroidism.

Final Thoughts

• Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism involve a malfunctioning thyroid gland and either condition can affect the entire body since the thyroid is so crucial to our health.
• When comparing hyperthyroidism vs. hypothyroidism, there are noticeable differences in symptoms; for example, people with hyperthyroidism often experience unintentional weight loss while those with hypothyroidism tend to have weight gain.
• Can you have hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism at the same time? No, but you can go back and forth between the two diagnoses and this can be caused thyroid medications as well as thyroiditis, which is inflammation of the thyroid gland.
• The key differences between hypothyroidism vs. hyperthyroidism labs are the levels of TSH and thyroxine as well as T3 and T4 hormone levels.
• It’s important to get thorough blood work, and even repeat blood work, to ensure you are getting a proper and clear diagnosis of your thyroid problem.

The post Hyperthyroidism vs. Hypothyroidism: How to Tell the Difference appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Almost all organs in the body are capable of making compounds called prostaglandins, which are similar to hormones but also have some key differences. What is the purpose of prostaglandins? One important one is triggering inflammation and blood clotting in response to illness or injury.

Something that makes prostaglandins unique is that they don’t travel through the bloodstream like other hormones, but instead are released at specific tissues sites in the body where and when they are needed. While prostaglandins have many functions and certain benefits, they can also contribute to ongoing pain and disease when produced in either excess, or when levels are not high enough.

Hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, environmental stress and genetic defects can all affect prostaglandin levels. How can you balance production of prostaglandins? Some helpful diet and lifestyle habits you’ll read more about below include: eating a high-fiber, anti-inflammatory diet; taking certain supplements to control inflammatory responses; exercising and managing stress; and treating hormone imbalances including estrogen dominance.

What Are Prostaglandins?

Prostaglandins are lipid compounds, called eicosanoids, that have hormone-like effects in humans and other mammals. What are some of the functions of prostaglandins? Two of the most important are regulating inflammation and contracting the uterus in females in order to allow for birth and menstruation.

Prostaglandins function:

Major functions of prostaglandins include: (1)

• Promoting inflammation in tissue that has been damaged or infected, in order to encourage healing
• Regulating functions of the female reproductive system, including ovulation, menstruation and the induction of labor
• Promoting blood clotting
• Repairing damaged blood vessels
• Controlling blood flow — this includes causing muscles in blood vessel walls to contract and narrow to help prevent blood loss, and dilating blood vessels when needed by relaxing muscles
• Removing blood clots that are no longer needed
• Causing pain and fevers
• Regulating contraction and relaxation of the muscles in the digestive system/gut and respiratory system/airways
• Regulating body temperature

What triggers prostaglandin production? The body makes more prostaglandins in response to injury, infection, disease or other stressors. This ultimately causes symptoms associated with inflammation, including: redness, swelling, pain, fever, cramping and tenderness. (2)

Types of prostaglandins:

There are four bioactive prostaglandins produced in the body human body, including:

• prostaglandin (PG) E₂ (PGE₂)
• prostacyclin (PGI₂)
• prostaglandin D₂ (PGD₂)
• prostaglandin F_2α (PGF_2α)

Prostaglandins are made from the fatty acid called arachidonic acid, which is converted into prostaglandin H2 (or PGH2) and is the precursor for all four of the primary prostaglandins. Different types of prostaglandins have different and sometimes opposite functions, such as stimulating the formation of a blood clot to help injured blood vessels, narrowing blood vessels to prevent excess bleeding, and removing unneeded clots.

Prostaglandins’ Role in Inflammation

What is the role of prostaglandins in the inflammatory response?  First, it’s important to understand that inflammation is both good and bad depending on the context. For example, chronic inflammation, the root of most diseases, is problematic because it contributes to health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, neurological diseases and many others. But acute (short-term) inflammation is life-saving and a necessary part of healing.

Each type of prostaglandin works differently to maintain homeostasis in the body. During an inflammatory response, both the level and the types of prostaglandin production change dramatically.  Prostaglandin production is normally low in tissues that are not inflamed, but levels increases during an acute inflammatory response. When prostaglandins increase, this helps with recruitment of leukocytes and the infiltration of immune cells.

Prostaglandins are similar to hormones because they act as signals to help the body carry out different processes as needed, one of which is repairing damaged tissue. However, they are different than hormones because they are not made by glands and are produced at the sites where the body requires them via a chemical reaction. They have various effects depending on the part of the body in which they are made. (3)

Prostaglandins are important for overcoming a number of health conditions because they help to control processes that release inflammatory compounds, help regulate blood flow and play a role in the formation of blood clots. They also increase pain and can cause a fever, which are normal reactions to injury, infection or illnesses.

Prostaglandins are produced via a chemical reaction that first takes place due to the effects of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2). Normally prostaglandins are produced by cyclooxygenase-1, but when inflammation needs to be increased, cyclooxygenase-2 is activated in order to make extra prostaglandins. Prostaglandins have been found to act on at least eight different receptor sites in the body. Their effects are limited to the sites where they act on and they are short-lived, since the body breaks down prostaglandins quickly compared to other hormones.

Related: White Willow Bark: The Natural Pain Reliever that Works Like Aspirin

Pros and Cons of Prostaglandins

Pros of prostaglandins:

• Help with overcoming illnesses and infections.
• Help to repair damaged tissue.
• Can induce labor. It does this by causing relaxation of cervical smooth muscle which facilitates dilation. There are even synthetic/manufactured forms of prostaglandins, called prostaglandin E2 and F2, that are prescribed to help induce labor when at the end of pregnancy. Additionally, women need enough prostaglandins to help with stimulating ovulation and making sure the uterus contracts appropriately to allow for menstruation.
• Can help to control postpartum hemorrhage (bleeding).
• Used to help treat impotence in men and to improve sperm function.
• Can help treat stomach ulcers by regulating acid secretion of the stomach and protecting the intestines from damage.
• Regulate production of mucus.
• Used to help treat glaucoma.
• Help regulate gut bacteria by impacting release of inflammatory compounds. (4)
• Can be used intravenously to treat Raynaud’s syndrome, especially in patients who have not responded well to other treatments like oral or topical vasodilators.
• Can stimulate bowel movements.
• Can help treat congenital heart disease in newborn babies.

Cons of prostaglandins:

• Increase pain in response to injury or illness. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) that are used as pain relievers and to reduce inflammation and fever symptoms work by blocking the effects of prostaglandins. For example, the drugs ibuprofen and aspirin work by stopping prostaglandins from being made by modifying the enzyme called cyclooxygenase. (5)
• Can cause a fever, swelling, redness, etc.
• Cause PMS symptoms/PMDD symptoms/strong menstrual cramps. Why do prostaglandins contribute to menstrual cramps? In a woman’s uterus, prostaglandins signal muscles to contract each month in order to shed the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium) that results in menstruation. The more prostaglandins someone makes,  the stronger these muscle contractions will be, which can worsen menstrual cramps. Severe menstrual cramps and pain is known as dysmenorrhea. (6)
• May increase allergies and autoimmune reactions.
• Can interfere with the normal healing process if levels are too high or too low. Chronic production of prostaglandins in high amounts can contribute to diseases tied to chronic inflammation.
• Can contribute to problems with chronic pain, including arthritis.
• Have been linked to cancer development when chronically produced in excess.
• May cause diarrhea when released in high amounts.
• Excess production may contribute to bone fragility and low bone mass.

How to Control Prostaglandin Production

Let’s go back to the topic of prostaglandin product that was mentioned earlier. What causes prostaglandins to increase, and what does this tell us about how we can control it?

Prostaglandin levels increase in response to injury and inflammation, which is why an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle is key for balancing production of these compounds. How do you naturally stop prostaglandins?

How to balance prostaglandins with a healthy diet:

• Avoid pain-triggering foods, which include: foods with added sugar, potentially conventional dairy products, refined vegetables oils, processed grains, poor quality meats and processed meats (like cold cuts, hot dogs, cured meats, etc.), alcohol and caffeine.
• Don’t over-consume omega-6 fatty acids, which are what prostaglandins are synthesized from. The best way to do this is to limit your use of processed vegetable oils.
• Eliminate food allergies that make symptoms worse, which can include gluten, dairy, nuts, eggs, night shades, etc. (depending on the person).
• Eat high-fiber foods to help balance hormones including estrogen. This includes: vegetables, fruits, legumes, beans, nuts, seeds and 100 percent whole grains.
• Consume omega-3 foods which help to decrease inflammation, including wild-caught fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, etc. Some studies have also found that consuming more fish oil may help decrease prostaglandin production. (7)
• Increase intake of anti-inflammatory herbs and spices, especially ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, parsley, etc.
• Focus on healthy fats, including: olive oil, flax seeds, chia seeds, all types of nuts, and coconut oil.
• Increase intake of magnesium-rich foods and potassium-rich foods, including: leafy green veggies, cruciferous veggies, bananas, apricots and figs, sweet potatoes, avocado, beans/legumes, salmon, and organic dairy products if tolerated.
• Eat more foods high in zinc including: pumpkin seeds, beef, lamb, organ meats, cashews, chickpeas, chicken, yogurt and spinach.
• Consume black and green teas, which seem to regulate levels. (8)

What foods contain prostaglandins? Prostaglandins are not actually found in foods, but created by the body. You can control how much you produce by eating enough vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, and by not over-consuming fatty or inflammatory foods.

Other ways to control prostaglandin production:

• Take a magnesium supplement. Magnesium can help to ease muscle cramps, including menstrual cramps, and chronic pain. However, you’ll want to avoid taking magnesium citrate if you have diarrhea/loose bowels. A standard recommendation is to take a dose of about 300–450 milligrams nightly before bed.
• Consume zinc, both from food sources and supplements if needed. Zinc is a key structural component for a slew of hormone receptors and proteins that contribute to healthy, balanced mood and immune function. If you suffer from strong menstrual cramps, zinc may help due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions in the uterus. (9) Research has shown that taking 30 milligrams of zinc 1–3 times daily for one to four days prior to onset of menses can significantly reduce menstrual cramping.
• Try ginger and turmeric supplements, which help to combat inflammation. Certain studies have found that taking 1,000–2,000 milligrams per day of ginger (or more) can help reduce pain and cramps. (10)
• Take bromelain supplements, a compound derived from pineapple that has anti-inflammatory effects which may help dull pain. Resveratrol is another antioxidant compound found in foods like berries and red wine that decrease inflammation and support the immune system. (11)
• Manage stress, such as by getting enough sleep, time to rest and doing relaxing activities.
• Exercise appropriately, meaning not too much or too little. Try a combination of aerobic exercise and strength-building exercise, but be sure to take enough time to rest and stretch in order to manage pain/inflammation.
• Try evening primrose oil. Evening primrose oil contains linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid, which seem to help regulate production of prostaglandins and their activities, including vascular activity. Research has shown that supplementing with primrose oil can help reduce PMS symptoms, Raynaud’s syndrome, IBs, skin ulcers, heart disease risk, inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, and more. (12)
• Sex can increase prostaglandin production by stimulating the uterus, which is one reason it’s sometimes recommended to induce labor. Semen also contains prostaglandins.
• Consider acupuncture, which according to Chinese medicine stimulates channels of qi (or energy) along meridians that helps organs and systems to function better. Study results have overall been mixed in regards to whether acupuncture and/or transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS) may stimulate the release of prostaglandins and oxytocin. (13)

Things to avoid to manage prostaglandins:

• Quit smoking, which increases inflammation and often chronic pain.
• Limit use of soy, corn, cottonseed and safflower oils.
• Limit or avoid stimulants, including caffeinated drinks, nicotine and potentially cocoa/chocolate products.
• Cut down on alcohol or eliminate it all together.
• Treat estrogen dominance with a healthy diet, exercise, and avoidance of chemicals that mimic the effects of estrogen.
• Try an elimination diet if you’re unsure about which foods increase pain and symptoms, such as allergens or sensitivities. Continuing to eat foods that you are sensitive to will cause your immune system to respond by increasing inflammation.
• Avoid sleep deprivation.
• Take steps to limit chronic stress.

Signs of Prostaglandin Issues

What are some conditions and symptoms that are tied to abnormally high or low prostaglandin levels? Some of the most common prostaglandin-related health issues include: (14)

• Very painful periods
• Diarrhea and changes in bowel movements, including during a woman’s period (a sign that prostaglandin levels are too high). Prostaglandins can contract not only uterine muscles but also the bowels.
• Autoimmune disease
• Diabetes
• Poor pituitary function and low thyroid function
• Chronic pain and ongoing tissue damage that won’t heal
• Swelling, redness and tenderness, including edema in the limbs
• Eczema
• Migraines
• Certain types of cancer
• Neurodegenerative diseases. Recent research has shown that high prostaglandin production seems to play a role in diseases including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, ALS and Huntington’s disease. (15)
• Scarring and loss of organ function

Prostaglandin Medications and Usage

Prostaglandins are used medically for a variety of reasons, including to relax muscles and induce labor. Two “prostaglandin analogs” are currently used for the purpose of “cervical ripening” to help with labor, called dinoprostone gel (Prepidil) and dinoprostone inserts (Cervidil). They can help relax cervical smooth muscle and also increase contractions of uterine muscles. However, the use of these prostaglandins also comes with some risks, including the potential for side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever.

Certain drugs are also used to block cyclooxygenase-2 and, therefore, to reduce prostaglandin levels. This is why NSAIDs are given to manage pain and symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions — like arthritis, heavy menstrual bleeding/cramps, heart conditions tied to blood clots, and even certain types of cancer, including colon and breast cancer. Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) also lower the production of prostaglandins by inhibiting the growth of the endometrial cell layer in the uterus. (16)

Final Thoughts

• Prostaglandins are lipid compounds that have hormone-like effects. Prostaglandin functions include: promoting inflammation in tissue that has been damaged or infected in order to encourage healing; regulating functions of the female reproductive system, including ovulation, menstruation and the induction of labor; promoting blood clotting; repairing damaged blood vessels; regulating blood clots, and more.
• What releases prostaglandins? Stressors including tissue damage, infection and illness can all trigger more prostaglandins to be produced. They are also produced to help contract the uterus in order to bring on menstruation and labor.
• There’s both a good and bad connection between prostaglandins and inflammation. They can help encourage healing by increasing inflammatory responses, but can also increase chronic pain, cramps, fever, swelling, etc.
• To balance prostaglandin production, steps to take include: eating a high-fiber, anti-inflammatory diet; taking magnesium, zinc, omega-3s and bromelain; exercising and sleeping enough; treating estrogen dominance; treating food allergies; avoiding stimulants, alcohol and smoking.

The post How to Control Prostaglandin Production: Do’s & Don’ts appeared first on Dr. Axe.

In the United States, every year roughly 100,000 people will develop primary hyperparathyroidism. (1) If you’re over the age of 50, a woman or have a history of kidney stones, calcium or vitamin deficiency, you’re at an increased risk for developing this condition.

What are the symptoms of parathyroid disease? Not everyone with hyperparathyroidism will experience any noticeable symptoms. (2) In fact, about 80 percent of primary hyperparathyroidism cases are asymptomatic (non-symptomatic). When they do occur, symptoms can include fatigue, bone and joint pains, weakness, loss of appetite, excessive urination, dizziness and confusion.

What happens if parathyroid disease goes untreated? Hyperparathyroidism affects calcium levels, which has an affect on organs and tissues, including the heart, bones, teeth and kidneys. With that being said, untreated hyperparathyroidism can cause complications such as kidney stones, heart disease, bone fractures and osteoporosis.

Currently, the common ways to remedy hyperparathyroidism symptoms include surgery to remove the affected parathyroid tissue, hormone replacement therapy, and/or medications including calcimimetics and bisphosphonate to protect the bones. Natural remedies can also help manage symptoms and support recovery. These include eating a healthy diet, exercise, pain relief with essential oils, prevention of vitamin D deficiency, quitting smoking and managing nausea.

What Is Hyperparathyroidism?

Hyperparathyroidism is a condition characterized by an excess of parathyroid hormone in the bloodstream. The parathyroid glands are located in the neck around the thyroid gland and secrete a hormone called parathyroid hormone. The main job of the parathyroid glands is to regulate calcium and phosphorous levels in the body. Every person has four small parathyroid glands, which are normally only about the size of a grain of rice. (3)

Normally, when calcium levels decrease, the body produces more parathyroid hormone (or PTH) to bring levels back up. And when calcium levels increase, the body produces less of the parathyroid hormone so levels fall back down. People with hyperparathyroidism wind up having too much calcium in their blood and below normal (or sometimes near normal) amounts of phosphorous.

Parathyroid hormone has some of the following important functions: (4)

• Stimulates bones to release calcium and phosphate into the bloodstream
• Causes the kidneys to excrete less calcium in the urine
• Causes the kidneys to release more phosphate in the blood
• Stimulates the digestive tract to absorb more calcium
• Causes the kidneys to activate more vitamin D, which allows for more calcium absorption

There are two main types of hyperparathyroidism:

• Primary hyperparathyroidism, which happens when one or more of the parathyroid glands becomes enlarged. This causes overproduction of parathyroid hormone and high levels of calcium in the blood (called hypercalcemia).
• Secondary hyperparathyroidism, which occurs as a result of another disease such as kidney disease or vitamin D deficiency. It results in low levels of calcium. Low levels of calcium in the blood causes increased parathyroid hormone production.
• Normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism is when parathyroid hormone levels are higher than normal, but the blood calcium level is normal. Many patients with normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism will go on to develop classic primary hyperparathyroidism.

Hyperparathyroidism Symptoms and Signs

Hyperparathyroidism symptoms occur when organs or tissues are damaged or don’t function properly due to abnormally high calcium levels circulating in the blood and urine. There can also be too little calcium in bones and damage to the kidneys.

The mineral calcium is very important for many bodily functions, beyond just keeping the bones strong. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, and almost 99 percent of the body’s calcium is stored in the structure of the bones and teeth. Calcium is needed to maintain dental health, for transmission of nerve signals, for muscle contractions and to work with other minerals like phosphorus and magnesium for many other functions.

Many times hyperparathyroidism symptoms will be very mild and nonspecific, so they can be mistaken for another health problem or simply overlooked/ignored. When someone does experience symptoms, the most common symptoms of hyperparathyroidism include: (5)

• Fragile bones, joint and bone pain and increased susceptibility to fractures (osteoporosis)
• Kidney stones (excess calcium in your urine can cause small, hard deposits of calcium that are very painful to pass)
• Excessive urination
• Abdominal pain and constipation
• Fatigue, feeling “run down” or ill and weakness
• Nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite
• Confusion, memory loss and forgetfulness
• Depression
• Tingling in the hands and feet
• Stiff, achy muscles
• Increased risk for cardiovascular disease
• Increased risk for complications in newborns that are born to mothers with untreated hyperparathyroidism

Can parathyroid problems cause weight gain? Some research suggests that many adults with primary hyperparathyroidism are heavier than adults of the same age without parathyroid disease. (6) Primary hyperparathyroidism may also be associated with an increased prevalence of hypertension, insulin resistance, lipid/fat/cholesterol issues and cardiovascular disease. There may be a connection between hyperparathyroidism and weight gain if someone feels very exhausted, depressed and unmotivated to eat well or stay active. However, hyperparathyroidism can also cause loss of appetite, nausea and potentially weight loss.

Hyperparathyroidism Causes and Risk Factors

Hyperparathyroidism occurs when too much parathyroid hormone is released, causing increased absorption of calcium in the digestive tract and release of stored calcium in the bones.

In about 90 percent of people with primary hyperparathyroidism, the underlying cause is a non-cancerous tumor (called an adenoma) in one or more of the parathyroid glands. In the other 10 percent of people with this condition, the parathyroid glands become enlarged and produce too much hormone. Rarely, a cancerous tumor located on one or more of the parathyroid glands will cause hyperparathyroidism. Cases of parathyroid cancer make up less than one percent of the total number of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. When a tumor forms or cancer develops, this interferes with the parathyroid gland’s ability to regulate how much PTH is released.

Hyperparathyroidism risk factors include:

• Being a woman, since this condition is more common among women (especially post-menopausal women) than men.  In the U.S, it’s estimated that about one in 500 women over the age of 60 will develop this condition each year. (7)
• Being an older or elderly adult.
• Having had radiation therapy in the neck, such as to treat cancer.
• Genetic inheritance or family history of hyperparathyroidism.
• Having a history of multiple endocrine neoplasia, which is a rare hereditary disorder.
• History of kidney disease or kidney failure. Your kidneys convert vitamin D into a form your body can use, and vitamin D is needed to regulate calcium levels. Chronic kidney failure is the most common cause of secondary hyperparathyroidism.
• Severe calcium deficiency.
• Severe vitamin D deficiency, which affects calcium absorption.
• Taking the drug lithium, which is most often used to treat bipolar disorder.

Conventional Hyperparathyroidism Treatment

Hyperparathyroidism is usually detected by routine blood tests, which can indicate that you have elevated calcium in your blood. It’s common for a diagnosis to be made even before someone has any noticeable symptoms. Other tests that can be used to confirm a hyperparathyroidism diagnosis include: bone mineral density test (DXA) to measure calcium and other bone minerals, urine test to determine how much calcium is excreted in your urine, ultrasound to look at the tissue around the parathyroid glands, imaging tests of the kidneys to check for abnormalities and a sestamibi scan to help identify which parathyroid gland(s) are hyperactive.

How do you treat hyperparathyroidism? Sometimes no treatment will be required if there is little risk for complications, such as low bone density or kidney stones. When the condition does require treatment, hyperparathyroidism treatment usually involves:

• Surgery to remove the affected parathyroid gland (called parathyroidectomy). (8) When is hyperparathyroidism surgery necessary? Surgery is the most common treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism. The goal of this surgery is to remove any abnormal tissue in the parathyroid gland that is affecting hormone output. Surgery for hyperparathyroidism is usually effective, nearly resolving the condition in about 90–95 percent of cases. (9)
• Calcimimetic medications such as cinacalcet (Sensipar), which trick the parathyroid glands into releasing less parathyroid hormone by mimicking the effects of calcium. (10)
• Hormone replacement therapy, which can help bones retain calcium.
• Bisphosphonate medications, which help stop bones from losing calcium and reduce the risk for fractures.

What is considered a high parathyroid level? A normal/average parathyroid hormone (PTH) level ranges between 10 and 65 pg/ml. Hyperparathyroidism may be diagnosed or suspected when PTH levels are above this normal range. However, usually other tests are needed to confirm hyperparathyroidism, not just one value. (11)

6 Natural Remedies to Help Hyperparathyroidism Symptoms

1. Eat a Hyperparathyroidism Diet

What foods should you eat when you have hyperparathyroidism?

To prevent calcium deficiency, which can make hyperparathyroidism symptoms and complications worse, it’s important to eat foods high in calcium. Adults between the ages of 10–50 need about 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day, or 1,200 milligrams per day for women age 51 and older and men age 71 and older.

• The best sources of calcium include: dairy products (I recommend raw milk, goat’s milk, kefir, yogurt or aged cheeses), leafy greens and other veggies like broccoli, broccoli rabe, kale, Chinese cabbage, collard greens, okra, Swiss chard, green beans, rapini, carrots, turnip, rhubarb and watercress, almonds, navy beans, black eyed peas, organic edamame/tofu, tortillas made with lime, sardines, rockfish, clams, seaweed, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, butternut squash, sweet potato, berries, figs and oranges.
• Other foods that can help manage hyperparathyroidism include: foods high in magnesium, like all types of leafy greens, cocoa, avocado, bananas, healthy fats like olive oil and coconut oil, grass-fed meats and fresh herbs and spices.
• Make sure to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water to help prevent kidney stones. Drink a glass ideally every 1–2 hours, or until you notice that your urine is a very light yellow.  To help protect your kidneys, it’s best to drink at least six to eight glasses of water each day.
• You’ll get the most benefit from calcium if you avoid foods that cause inflammation, take a toll on gut health and interfere with nutrient absorption. Inflammatory foods to avoid include those with added sugar, processed grains, refined vegetable oils and synthetic ingredients.

Keep in mind that if you undergo surgery for hyperparathyroidism, you may experience pain, a sore throat and trouble chewing afterward for several days or more. While you should be cleared to eat whatever you want after surgery, you will likely want to consume softer foods, but may struggle to swallow smoothies/liquids. Try having mostly semisolid foods such as pureed veggies or fruit, coconut ice cream, oatmeal, avocado, banana, mashed potatoes, soups or chia pudding.

2. Minimize Bone and Joint Pain

Try to stay active and stretch daily if possible to maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness. Regular exercise, especially weight-bearing exercises and strength training, is also important for keeping bones strong. Additionally, exercise can help to reduce your risk for complications such as cardiovascular disease. Other ways to help manage bone and joint pain include:

• Applying peppermint essential oil to achy areas
• Doing yoga or tai chi
• Taking warm baths with Epsom salts
• Massage therapy or acupuncture
• Taking anti-inflammatory supplements including turmeric and omega-3 fatty acids
• Getting enough sleep
• Eating an anti-inflammatory diet

3. Combat Nausea and Loss of Appetite

If you’re struggling with nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite, these tips may be able to help:

• Avoid foods that can make digestive issues worse, including fatty/greasy foods, high-sodium packaged foods, strong-smelling veggies, too much animal protein, spices, oil or cheese. Eat smaller meals or snacks throughout the day, rather than one to three big meals.
• Make sure to stay hydrated, such as by drinking water, herbal tea or coconut water and eating fresh fruits and veggies.
• Add some lemon and lime juice to ice water and sip it throughout the day.
• Try consuming ginger root, ginger tea, using ginger essential oils or taking ginger capsules several times per day. Taking vitamin B6 one to three times per day may also curb nausea.
• Get fresh air by taking a walk outdoors. Try to keep up with gentle exercise as long as possible since this may help regulate your appetite.
• Essential oils that can help calm your stomach and improve your mood or appetite include ginger, chamomile, lavender, frankincense, peppermint and lemon.
• Get enough sleep, since fatigue may cause you to feel unwell.

4. Manage Depression and Fatigue

If you’re feeling depressed, lethargic and unlike yourself, consider “talk therapy” or counseling, problem-solving therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy.

Also aim to eat whole foods that support production of neurotransmitters, which are the brain’s messengers that control your mood, energy levels and appetite. Additionally, supplements that may help lift your mood include omega-3s, probiotics, B vitamins, St. John’s Wort and adaptogen herbs such as rhodiola and ashwagandha.

Other ways to manage stress and support mental health include: exercise, getting adequate sleep, finding social support, spending time outdoors, meditation, acupuncture, journaling, reading and volunteering.

5. Prevent Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D helps maintain appropriate levels of calcium in the blood, and it helps your digestive system absorb calcium from your food. The standard recommendation for vitamin D intake is 600 international units (IUs) of vitamin D per day for people one- to 70-years-old, and 800 IUs per day for adults age 71 and older.

The very best way to prevent vitamin D deficiency is by getting direct sun exposure. Your body produces vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. To a lesser extent, you can also consume some vitamin D from your diet. Try to spend about 15–20 minutes in the sun each day without sunscreen, allowing as much of your skin to be exposed as possible. During the winter, or if you can’t spend time outdoors, you can supplement with vitamin D daily.

Talk to your doctor about whether you should be supplementing with vitamin D and calcium year-round, since many times it is necessary to maintain normal levels. (13)

6. Avoid Smoking and Certain Medications

Smoking can lead to various health problems, including weakening your bones and potentially contributing to cardiovascular problems. Talk to your doctor or a therapist about the best way for you to quit smoking, such as joining a smoking cessation group, using a nicotine patch or trying hypnosis, meditation or other approaches.

You should also avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol or taking calcium-raising drugs, including some diuretics and lithium. (12) Discuss any medications you take with your doctor to make sure they are not worsening your condition.

Precautions

Visit your doctor or an endocrinologist (who specializes in hormone-related conditions) if you experience any signs or symptoms of hyperparathyroidism. This can include fatigue, depression, joint and bone pain, etc.

Keep in mind that many hyperparathyroidism symptoms can be caused by any number of disorders, including autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders or other thyroid disorders. There are also conditions that can cause high calcium levels in the blood, such as: Sarcoidosis, multiple myeloma, Paget, milk-alkali syndrome, high vitamin D levels and advanced cancers that spread to the bone, such as breast cancer, lung cancer and kidney cancer.

The earlier someone with hyperparathyroidism is treated, the better. An early, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help to correct the condition and prevent symptoms from worsening.

Final Thoughts

• Hyperparathyroidism is a condition characterized by an excess of parathyroid hormone in the bloodstream. The parathyroid glands are located in the neck around the thyroid gland and secrete a hormone called parathyroid hormone. The main job of the parathyroid glands is to regulate calcium and phosphorous levels in the body.
• Hyperparathyroid symptoms don’t always occur, but when they do, they can include fatigue, bone and joint pains, weakness, loss of appetite, excessive urination and confusion.
• Hyperparathyroidism affects calcium levels, which has an affect on organs and tissues, including the heart, bones, teeth and kidneys. Complications caused by untreated hyperparathyroidism can include kidney stones, heart disease and osteoporosis.
• Risk factors for hyperparathyroidism include being a woman over the age of 60, calcium and vitamin D deficiency, history of radiation therapy, genetic factors/family history, kidney disease or failure and taking the drug lithium.
• Standard treatments for hyperparathyroidism are surgery, hormone replacement therapy and/or medications including calcimimetics and bisphosphonate.
• Six natural remedies that can help manage symptoms and support recovery include: eating a healthy diet, treating bone and joint pain with exercise and more, managing depression and fatigue, preventing vitamin D deficiency, quitting smoking and managing nausea.

The post Hyperparathyroidism Causes and Symptoms (Plus, 6 Natural Remedies) appeared first on Dr. Axe.

For many women, menopause is a dreaded process, especially since we usually only hear about the bad parts. Menopause is a fact of life for all women, like it or not. No matter who you are or where you’re from, if you’re a woman then at one point in your life you’ll have to deal with the menopause symptoms.

It helps to view menopause as a natural part of the aging process — not a medical illness or problematic condition, as some think of it. When it comes to finding relief from menopause symptoms, the hardest part is often the emotional and physical side effects it brings along. Transitioning through menopause can mean dealing with unwelcome symptoms, such as weight gain, low energy, low sex drive and changes in your mood.

One of the most common ways to ease the sometimes-hard-to-deal-with side effects of menopause is to use hormone replacement therapy drugs. This generally involves taking estrogen and/or progestin replacement drugs or using hormonal creams. However, the risk to a woman’s health from taking hormone replacement drugs has become a serious concern. The good news is this: While the side effects of going through menopause can range from bothersome to debilitating, there are ways to handle it naturally without increasing your risk for certain diseases.

No. 1 on the list? Exercise. That’s because transitioning into menopause can be a risky time for women, given the fact they are more likely to develop certain metabolic-related diseases during this transition. But women do have a lot of control in reducing the risk. A new study published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism in October 2018 found that midlife women transitioning to menopause may be able to lower their risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes by focusing on exercise and eating a lower calorie diet.

“Previous studies have largely focused on cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in postmenopausal women. This study is unique because it focuses on an earlier stage in women’s lives, the menopausal transition in midlife, to potentially prevent such diseases from occurring,” says lead study author Jennifer S. Lee, MD, PhD, associate professor of medicine at the Stanford Medical Center.

(More on exercise’s impact on menopause in a bit…)

What Is Menopause?

Let’s take a look at exactly what menopause is all about — and what it’s not.

The Women’s Health Research Institute at Northwestern University explains that there are three stages of menopause: (1)

• Perimenopause (before menopause)
• Menopause
• Postmenopause (after menopause)

Unlike what many think (or how it might feel), menopause doesn’t last forever, and your body does become accustomed to the new changes with time. How long it takes depends on each individual woman, her own body and her state of overall health.

Menopause is the permanent end of a woman’s menstrual cycle and therefore her years of fertility. Technically, menopause is considered to start one year following a woman’s last period (meaning she’s been experiencing “amenorrhea,” or no menstrual cycle, for one year). This means that 12 months after your very last period, you’re officially “in” menopause and likely already starting to experience some common menopause symptoms. This time period signifies the end of reproductive ovarian functioning and a transition through various hormonal changes. (2)

Menopause symptoms usually first appear around the age of 35, when your ovaries get smaller and stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone that control the menstrual cycle.

What Causes Menopause Symptoms?

Menopause involves many natural changes to a woman’s entire reproductive system, including her internal organs, external genitalia, breast tissue (which is capable of secreting hormones), and various reproductive and non-reproductive hormones. Around the time of your mid-30s, your ovaries start to produce less estrogen and progesterone, and therefore fertility starts to decline.

The hormones primarily involved in a woman’s reproductive system, and therefore menopause, include:

• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• Luteinizing hormone (LH)
• Estrogen (three types including estrone, estridiol and estrioll)
• Progesterone
• Testosterone

Prior to menopause during the reproductive years, estradiol is the major form of estrogen, which is released primarily from the ovaries. After menopause, estrone becomes the most abundant type of estrogen produced, which is mostly released from a woman’s fat cells and adrenal glands. Estrogen works by attaching to receptors on cells within tissues, including those in the uterus and the breasts, and also the kidneys, heart, blood vessels and other tissues to a lesser degree.

There is isn’t one sole cause of menopause since it’s a very complex process. However, the most significant changes taking place in a woman’s body during this transition are that there’s increasing loss of ovarian follicles (called follicular atresia) and therefore a decreasing amount of estrogen being produced. Mature follicles secrete estrogen, so as the rate of follicular loss keeps accelerating, less estrogen is produced. Estrogen levels start to drop six to 12 months before menopause (during perimenopause) and continue throughout the process.

Another thing to keep in mind is that every adult, whether going through menopause or not, experiences some signs of aging. As Harvard Medical School puts it, “It is often hard to say which changes are a direct result of a drop in hormone levels and which are natural consequences of aging. Some of the symptoms overlap or have a cascade effect.” (3)

Common Menopause Symptoms

The rate at which various reproductive hormones adjust during menopause varies widely from woman to woman, so symptoms of menopause can be very different for each person and also very unpredictable. Hormones tend not to drop in a fast, linear fashion — rather they can spike back up at times, which helps explain why a woman’s period might still come and go during the transition through menopause.

What’s feared the most during menopause is not missing the monthly menstrual periods, but facing the side effects caused from a decrease in reproductive hormones in the body. The decrease of estrogen particularly seems to impact the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that’s often refereed to as “the thermostat of the body,” as it regulates body temperature, sleep patterns, sex hormones, moods and appetite.

What kinds of menopause symptoms can you expect to experience? Again, this depends on your unique hormonal makeup. Studies have found that menopause symptoms range considerably in terms of how long they last and how intense they can become, because even women of the same age can have hormone levels that are very different at any given time.

Some of the most common menopause symptoms include: (4)

• Irregular periods: This is especially common during perimenopause, when periods tend to occur every two to four months on average. Periods can come and go, plus get heavier or lighter at times.
• Hot flashes and night sweats: John Hopkin’s University reports that about 75 percent of all menopausal women experience hot flashes (sudden, brief, periodic increases in body temperature), 80 percent of which occur for 2 years or less. Around 15 percent of menopausal women report having “severe hot flashes” caused by hormonal changes that affect hypothalamus, which controls body temperature.
• Mood swings: These can include increased irritability, anxiety or depressive symptoms.
• Vaginal dryness: The vagina technically shortens and loses elasticity (called vaginal atrophy). Vaginal thinness and dryness can come along with higher susceptibility to urinary tract infections caused by vaginal fluid loss/less lubrication to move bacteria out.
• Increased abdominal fat and weight gain: Due to a slowed metabolism.
• Insomnia and changes in sleep quality
• Thinning hair and dry skin
• Changes in urination: Due to changes in vaginal tissue some women experience frequent, sudden, strong urges to urinate, or might have trouble controlling urination.
• Breasts becoming smaller: As the breasts no longer are stimulated by estrogen, they tend to become smaller, less dense, have more fatty tissue and lose some of their volume (becoming “saggier”).
• Decreased sex drive: Blood flow is reduced to the genital area, the labia becomes smaller and the muscle tissue of the clitoris starts to shrink.
• Changes in the uterus, ovaries and cervix: Although you likely can’t feel this taking place, the ovaries and uterus shrink in size, and muscles in the uterus become harder (fibrotic). The cervix also gets smaller and narrower.
• Higher risk for other diseases and complications: Studies show that following menopause a woman’s risk for heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) diseases, as well as osteoporosis, increases. This is due to a decline in estrogen levels, which changes fat accumulation and also contributes to loss of bone density, weak bones and increased risk of fractures.

In addition to the common symptoms listed above, the end of a woman’s period and fertility can often signify an emotional change in her life. Moving from a young, life-giving, fertile woman to an older woman can sometimes wreak havoc on the woman psychologically and emotionally. However, that’s only the case if you let it be this way. If you work on understanding menopause, welcome and embrace it, and use appropriate therapies that don’t put your health at risk to deal with menopause symptoms, then this might even be one of the best, most-meaningful times of your life.

How long does menopause last?

Most women transition through these changes for five to 10 years. For most, it’s closer to about five years, but symptoms might come and go for other women for much longer. What’s one piece of good news associated with menopause? A woman’s life expectancy in the Western world is growing, and older women are now estimated to live to 79.7– 84.3 years on average (a significant increase from about 50 years ago). About two thirds of the total U.S. population is expected to survive to age 85 or longer! This means taking care of yourself during and following menopause has never been more important.

Facts and Statistics Regarding Menopause

• Menopause usually takes place between the ages of 45–55, with the average age being 51 years old. (5)
• An estimated 75 percent of all women ages 50–55 are postmenopausal, while among women ages 40–45 only an estimated 5 percent have experienced natural menopause.
• Estimates show that about 6,000 women  in the U.S. alone reach the point of officially being in menopause every day (2 million women a year).
• Only about about 1 percent of women experience menopause before the age of 40 (called premature menopause).
• Research shows that the two most common menopause symptoms are hot flashes and vaginal dryness, followed by sleep disturbances, urinary complaints, sexual dysfunction and mood changes.
• According to research published by the North American Menopause Society, certain studies have found that up to 80 percent of women experiencing menopause report no decrease in quality of life and only about 10 percent report feelings of despair, irritability or fatigue during the menopause transition. (6)
• Today, women are living at least one third of their lives after menopause. By 2026, it’s estimated that almost one quarter of the adult population in living in Western, industrialized nations will be women over the age of 50.
• Some research shows that around 50 percent of women living in the U.S. report being happiest and most fulfilled between the ages of 50 and 65 compared with when they were in their 20s, 30s or 40s.

Conventional Treatment

Treatments including chemotherapy, radiation, surgery to remove the ovaries or hormone therapies can all interfere with hormone levels. This is one reason why women who’ve taken these medications/undergone treatments in the past tend to go through menopause at an earlier age compared to those who have not.

What Studies Reveal About Dangerous Hormone Replacement Therapy:

Studies show that taking hormone replacement therapies can increase a woman’s risk for several serious diseases, including:

• Breast cancer
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Blood clots
• Urinary incontinence
• Dementia and memory loss

In fact, in one of the largest studies — the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) Hormone Program sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; the National Cancer Institute; and parts of the National Institutes of Health — it was found that women on estrogen replacement drugs were 24 percent more likely to develop breast cancer compared to women taking no hormone therapy medications at all. (7, 8)

• The study followed two groups of women: one taking only estrogen replacement drugs and the other taking both estrogen and progestin drugs. The study began in 1991 and was abruptly stopped for the group using both estrogen and progestin in 2002 because the researchers found that the risks of using both drugs far outweighed the benefits. The study was stopped among the estrogen-only group for the same reasons in 2004. Other studies have found that in women taking hormone medications, breast cancer is more likely to be severe, deadly and spread to other body parts. There’s also evidence that both combination and estrogen-alone hormone use can cause mammography exams to be less effective for the early detection of breast cancer.
• Other than breast cancer, research shows a link between the use of hormone replacement therapy and diseases/conditions including stroke, blood clots, heart attack, urinary incontinence, dementia, and possibly other types of cancer, including lung or colon cancer.
• The use of estrogen plus progestin has been found to double the risk of developing dementia among postmenopausal women age 65 and older, and either combined hormone therapy or estrogen alone has been shown to significantly increase risk of stroke, blood clots and heart attack while taking medications. (9, 10)

This isn’t a pretty picture, especially considering menopause is a normal part of the aging process that won’t last forever. Many of the common side effects associated with menopause can be effectively handled with safe and effective all-natural remedies.

Menopause can be a daunting, confusing time in your life — if you let it be. But if you follow the steps listed below, stay away from dangerous hormone replacement therapy and take good care of yourself staring today, you’ll likely come through it with a smile and new skip in your step.

Natural Remedies for Menopause Symptoms

1. Exercise

One of the best ways to combat many of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with menopause is to make exercise a regular part of your daily routine. Exercise works wonders for menopausal women, and you shouldn’t underestimate the power of it. Exercising not only boosts serotonin levels, thereby improving your mood, your appetite and helping you sleep, but the benefits of exercise have been shown to do even more. If you engage in regular weekly exercise you’ll feel and look better too.

I recommend engaging in 10–30 minutes of aerobic activity in the form of burst training, as well as performing weight training several times a week. Weight training increases your self-esteem and helps naturally balance hormones — plus it helps you maintain muscle mass, which is important for preventing weight gain. It also strengthens your bones to combat osteoporosis, another condition that often comes along with menopause.

2. Herbal Preparations

Many herbs and foods contain natural hormones (such as phytoestrogens) or hormone-balancing properties that can help you ease into this transition period. While there are a number of options for treating menopause symptoms with herbal remedies, some seem to be more effective than others. It’s wise to consult with a naturopathic doctor first, especially if you have other medical conditions and take medications.

Some of the most commonly used herbal remedies to treat menopause symptoms include:

• Ginseng
• Evening primrose oil
• Licorice root
• Black cohosh
• Wild yams
• Red raspberry leaves
• St. John’s wort
• Chaste tree (vitex)
• Sarsaparilla
• Red clover

Each one of the above herbs has a specific symptom (or sometimes symptoms) that it’s able to help treat. It’s important to note which of your menopause symptoms are most bothersome and start by treating those first, then work your way down the list. This is where the knowledge of a trained naturopath doctor can be helpful. A doctor has extensive knowledge of which herb to use to treat your exact symptoms, which dosages are safest and advice about which herbs can be safely used simultaneously.

3. A Healthy Diet to Help Balance Hormones

As Hippocrates said, “Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine by thy food.” Eating a healthy diet is an often overlooked way to decrease troublesome symptoms of menopause, as well as to lower your risk for many other age-related illnesses. Be sure that during this changing time you give your body all that it needs to adjust. Tips for eating a healthy diet to help balance hormones include:

• Eat plenty of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables every day. Not only during menopause (or any of the menopause stages), but throughout your entire life, it’s wise to eat fresh, locally grown organic foods that have undergone the least processing possible.
• Keep in mind that you might need to consume less calories overall in order to maintain your weight. Limit “empty calories” by reducing your intake of packaged or processed foods, added sugar, refined carbohydrates, sugary drinks, alcohol and refined oils.
• Fill up on high-fiber foods to help control your appetite, boost digestive health and benefit your heart.
• Drink plenty of pure, fresh water.

As close to nature as you can get a food (an apple picked fresh off the tree) is the best way to eat the majority of your foods. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel in body, mind and soul when you indulge in these life-giving foods. Plus, you’ll struggle less with controlling your weight.

Precautions

• As with all treatments, natural or not, what works for one may or may not work for another. Our bodies are all unique, so it makes sense that different treatments work for different women.
• There are no guarantees that natural remedies will help decrease all of your menopause symptoms, so it helps to be realistic about your expectations. According to a review published by the National Women’s Health Network, overall some studies show that a few of the natural options described above are effective for a high percentage of women, while other studies show they don’t work at all. (11) This means that you may have to do a little research, try out a few different natural remedies and then decide what works best to combat your menopause side effects. This does take some time and a bit of research, but it sure beats increasing your chances of getting debilitating diseases from using risky hormonal drugs.
• Regarding use of herbal medicines for treating menopause symptoms, keep in mind that it’s important to buy high-quality, pure products and to use them in proper amounts. Compared to pharmaceutical or hormonal drugs, less is known about the potential side effects of herbs because studies are usually shorter-term and have smaller sample sizes. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is increasing funding for long-term studies into the effectiveness and safety of natural herbs/botanicals for menopause, but until we know more, look out for any signs of adverse side effects, including digestive complaints, bleeding, dizziness or fainting, allergies, and drops in blood pressure.

Final Thoughts

• Many women experience various menopause symptoms during their 40s and 50s, both due to natural changes in hormone levels and also as a side effect of aging.
• Some of the most common menopause symptoms include weight gain, trouble sleeping, abnormal uterine bleeding, hot flashes, decrease in sex drive and vaginal changes.
• Menopause symptoms can vary a lot in terms of their duration and intensity. Over 35 different menopause symptoms are considered “normal” and common — however, not every menopausal women experiences symptoms that cause a decrease in quality of life.
• Although menopause might feel inconvenient and hard, taking hormone replacement drugs can cause many side effects. A wiser option is to naturally manage symptoms through a healthy diet, exercise, stress reduction and sometimes using natural herbs.

The post Menopause Symptoms to Watch For and Ways to Relieve Them appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Thyroid nodules are the most common disorder involving the endocrine system, but when you feel a lump in your throat or it’s detected during a routine physical exam, it’s normal to feel worried.

Although thyroid nodules may seem scary, about 90–95 percent of them are non-cancerous growths that develop in an otherwise normal thyroid gland. But in some cases, these nodules may cause thyroid problems and compressive symptoms that affect the way you eat and speak. And 5–10 percent of thyroid nodules turn out to malignant.

So how do you know when to worry about thyroid nodules? And if it’s not thyroid cancer, what’s causing this lump in your throat? Read on to get some answers about thyroid nodules causes and even natural remedies for thyroid health.

What Are Thyroid Nodules?

Thyroid nodules are growths that develop within the thyroid gland, which is located in your throat, just behind your Adam’s apple. When thyroid tissue grows abnormally, it creates a nodule, or lump. Thyroid nodules can occur as a single lump or as multiple nodules, and they can be solid or fluid-filled.

Thyroid nodules are actually quite common, affecting up to 65 percent of the general population. The estimated annual incidence of thyroid nodules in the U.S. is approximately 0.1 percent, which is equal to about a 10 percent lifetime probability of developing one.

According to research published in JAMA, most thyroid nodules are benign and clinically insignificant, but about 10 percent of nodules harbor a clinically significant cancer, 5 percent cause compressive symptoms and 5 percent progress to a functional disease. (1)

Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Nodules

The development of thyroid nodules symptoms is not common; in fact, nodules are usually found incidentally when other imaging studies are performed and not because a patient had any signs. But some people with thyroid nodules, around 11–22 percent, experience what’s called compressive symptoms, which can include the following:

• Neck fullness: Sometimes thyroid nodules can be felt when examining the neck and throat, and even seen, which is from swelling at the base of the neck.
• Dysphagia: Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, may be a symptom associated with thyroid nodules because the lump is causing a sense of mass in the esophagus or it is impeding the normal passage of food. This can cause pain while swallowing, being unable to swallow or having a sensation of food being stuck in the throat.
• Odynophagia: This is a medical term used for when swallowing causes pain in your mouth, throat or esophagus. Because larger thyroid nodules are creating pressure in the throat and neck, it can be painful in these areas.
• Choking: Because large or swollen thyroid nodules make it difficult to swallow, they can lead to choking.
• Dyspnea: Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing and shortness of breath, may occur with larger thyroid nodules.

Sometimes, thyroid nodules can cause the body to produce additional thyroxine, which is a hormone that’s secreted by the thyroid gland. This may lead to symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including nervousness, anxiety, sleep troubles, racing heart, unexplained weight loss, excessive sweating and muscle weakness. (2)

These symptoms can occur in both benign and malignant thyroid nodules, so they do not indicate an increased risk of thyroid cancer. Researchers at Rutgers in New Jersey found that thyroid nodule size and lobe size are directly correlated with compressive symptoms. Their study indicates that of patients with compressive symptoms and a thyroid nodule size greater than 1.5 centimeters, 97 percent of them experienced improvement in symptoms after surgery. (3)

Thyroid Nodules Causes and Risk Factors

Thyroid nodules are very common and there are several conditions that can cause them to develop in your thyroid gland, including the following: (4)

• Iodine deficiency: Low iodine levels are associated with an increased risk of developing goiters or an enlarged thyroid gland. (5)
• Hashimoto’s disease: Hashimoto’s disease causes inflammation of the thyroid gland and can cause the thyroid gland to become enlarged. This disorder results from the underproduction of thyroid hormone and can lead to the gradual destruction of the thyroid gland itself.
• Overgrowth of thyroid tissue: Sometimes there’s an overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue, which is called a thyroid adenoma. It’s unclear why this happens, but it can lead to lumps in the thyroid gland and an overproduction of thyroid hormones.
• Thyroid cyst: A fluid-filled cyst can develop in the thyroid, which may be the result of abnormal thyroid tissue growth. These cysts are often a mix of solid and fluid components and are usually benign. Sometimes, however, solid components in a cyst can be malignant.
• Thyroid goiter: A goiter an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland that causes a bulge in the neck. This can occur when there’s an overproduction or underproduction of thyroid hormones.
• Thyroid cancer: Most thyroid nodules are benign and are caused by other factors, but sometimes a nodule is caused by cancerous cells in the thyroid. If a nodule is hard, large and painful, there is a greater risk of malignancy.

Here are some facts about the risk factors associated with thyroid nodules: (6)

• They are four times more common in women than men.
• Increasing nodule size and new development are related to hormonal changes of both estrogen and progesterone, which is why nodules are often found in pregnant women.
• Their frequency increases with age
• They are linked to low iodine intake.
• Exposure to ionizing radiation (which can happen in childhood or due to occupational exposure) is associated with an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer. The amount of radiation exposure needed to increase the risk of cancer is higher than that produced by routine x-rays.

Diagnosis of Thyroid Disease

The vast majority of thyroid nodules are non-cancerous, but in order to determine whether or not the nodule is malignant, a doctor familiar with this field will have to run tests to make a diagnosis.

Ultrasound is the most common imaging tool for thyroid nodules, along with a fine-needle aspiration biopsy, which provides a tissue sample for testing whether the nodule is malignant. Because only about 10 percent of nodules turn out to be malignant, the decision to operate on patients is only made after diagnosis with ultrasonography.

An ultrasound will identify nodules that are too small to be detected by a simple neck examination and the presence of multiple nodules. Plus, an accurate measurement of the nodules can be taken with ultrasonography.

If the results of an ultrasound call for a fine-needle aspiration biopsy, it’s usually performed with ultrasound guidance. A health care provider will take cells from the thyroid nodule and examine it under a microscope to detect whether it’s cancerous or benign.

Performing a biopsy to determine the risk of malignancy has dramatically decreased the number of thyroidectomies performed. If the biopsy shows a benign lesion, it will be followed with yearly ultrasound examinations and repeated fine-needle aspiration if the nodule increases in size or development. If the lesion is malignant, total thyroidectomy is recommended.

To make a diagnosis, your doctor may also perform a thorough head and neck exam, at which time he or she will feel the nodule for firmness and evaluate your vocal fold movement. The following findings during a physical exam increase the concern for malignancy: (7, 8)

• nodules that are larger than 4 centimeters in size
• nodules that are firm when touched
• nodules that are fixed to adjacent tissues
• disease or inflammation of the lymph nodes (called cervical lymphadenopathy)
• vocal fold immobility, which can cause issues with your voice and swallowing
• nodules found in young children, who have a higher malignancy rate than adults.

Conventional Treatment

Treatment for thyroid nodules depends on the initial risk estimate that’s based on an ultrasound or cytology report. Doctors will formulate a treatment plan based on the estimated risk of malignancy and the presence and severity of symptoms.

If a thyroid biopsy suggests that the nodule is benign, then the most appropriate treatment plan is simply observation. This usually involves repeated thyroid blood tests, ultrasounds and physical examinations every year. If the nodule increases in size, then another biopsy may be necessary. (9)

If the enlarged nodule is causing compressive symptoms, the following types of therapy can be used to treat benign thyroid nodules: (10)

• Thyroid hormone therapy: Thyroid hormones are often used to reduce the size of a nodule. Although more research is needed, thyroid hormone therapy is meant to lower the production of thyroid stimulating hormone and decrease the growth of thyroid tissue.
• Surgery: If a benign thyroid nodule is making it difficult to swallow or breath, becoming larger and creating a mass in the neck, or producing too much thyroid hormone, it can be removed with surgery.
• Radioactive iodine treatment: Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy is meant to destroy the cells that make up the thyroid gland, thereby reducing the size of the gland. RAI therapy is not usually recommended for patient with low or even moderate risk of thyroid cancer. (11)
• Laser or radiofrequency ablation treatment: Radiofrequency ablation treatment is much more common in European and Asian countries. It’s meant to reduce the nodule volume in large, steadily growing and benign nodules, without affecting thyroid function. (12)

Malignant nodules warrant surgical removal. There are two surgery options — total removal of the thyroid gland, which is called a total thyroidectomy, or removal of half the thyroid gland, called thyroid lobectomy.

7 Natural Remedies for Symptoms of Thyroid Disease

1. Avoid Iodine Deficiency

It’s well known that iodine status is a key determinant of thyroid disorders. Iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism  and goiters because the mineral helps to convert and release thyroid hormones. Thyroid disorders that are caused by low iodine levels can cause heart complications, sluggish metabolism, weight fluctuations and mood changes. (13)

There are a few ways to avoid iodine deficiency, with the most important step being eating iodine-rich foods like seaweed, wild-caught cod, organic yogurt, raw milk and eggs. Iodine supplements are also available and when taken in low doses, can help to normalize the production of thyroid hormones. But only use iodine supplements under the care of your doctor and make sure you are being monitored for side effects. High doses of iodine can actually aggravate thyroid disorder symptoms.

2. Eat Foods High in Selenium, Zinc and B Vitamins

To improve symptoms of thyroid disease, make sure you are getting enough selenium, zinc and B vitamins in your diet. These nutrients are needed for proper thyroid function and will help to balance your thyroid hormone levels.

Did you know that the thyroid is the organ with the largest content of selenium? The mineral is needed for the conversion of hormones T4 and T3. Some of the best selenium foods that can be added to your diet to improve thyroid function include Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, pinto beans, halibut, grass-fed beef, wild-caught salmon and organic oats. (14)

Foods high in zinc and B vitamins (especially vitamin B12) are also important for thyroid health. This includes lamb, grass-fed beef, cashews, spinach, chicken, eggs, mushrooms, chickpeas and asparagus.

3. Avoid Inflammatory Foods

One possible cause of thyroid nodules and other problems related to the thyroid gland is inflammation. Inflammation can actually slow down the conversion and production of your thyroid hormones. For this reason, it’s important to avoid inflammatory foods that will only make these issues worse. That means staying away from processed foods, foods with added sugars, and other possible trigger foods like those containing gluten. In fact, research shows that the prevalence of thyroid disease in higher in patients with celiac disease, so for these people, avoiding gluten is mandatory. (15)

4. Reduce Stress Levels

Research shows that both physical and mental stress can cause changes to your thyroid hormone levels. To keep the endocrine glands from becoming overloaded, which can cause damage to the body by suppressing immune function and altering the function of your adrenal and thyroid glands, it’s important to manage stress levels and get enough rest.

You can do this by trying natural stress relievers, such as exercising, getting 7–9 hours of sleep per night, putting time aside in your day to do something fun and relaxing, and joining a faith community or supportive group. (16, 17)

5. Try Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, an adaptogen herb and traditional medicine in Ayurveda, is often used for thyroid dysfunctions. A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine evaluated the efficacy of ashwagandha root extract in hypothyroid patients. When patients took 600 milligrams of ashwagandha extract daily for eight weeks, their T4 levels improved significantly compared to placebo. (18)

Other adaptogen herbs that can be used to improve symptoms of thyroid disease, especially hypothyroidism, include holy basil, ginseng and licorice root.

6. Take Probiotics

New research has linked hypothyroidism to disorders of the small intestine, like SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). Researchers found that overgrowth of certain bacteria can increase the risk of thyroid dysfunction. In fact, it was reported that SIBO may be present in more than half of patients with hypothyroidism. (19)

Taking probiotic supplements and adding probiotic foods to your diet can help to balance the good and bad bacteria in your gut, potentially improving your thyroid function.

7. Reduce Toxic Exposures

Exposure to chemical toxins can cause inflammatory reactions that hinder proper thyroid function. Certain medications, hormonal birth control pills and commercial beauty or cleaning products should be avoided when possible. It’s also worth mentioning that heavy metals like mercury and amalgam fillings can disrupt hormone balance, which is why it may be helpful to see a holistic dentist and remove silver fillings. (20, 21)

Final Thoughts

• Thyroid nodules are growths that develop within the thyroid gland. When thyroid tissue grows abnormally, it creates a nodule, or lump.
• Most thyroid nodules are benign and clinically insignificant, but about 10 percent of nodules are malignant.
• Although most thyroid nodules don’t cause symptoms, some people experience neck fullness, trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, pain in the mouth, throat or esophagus, and shortness of breath.
• Ultrasound is the most common diagnostic tool for thyroid nodules, along with a fine-needle aspiration biopsy, which provides a tissue sample for testing whether the nodule is malignant.
• Conventional thyroid nodules treatment may involve thyroid hormone therapy, radioactive iodine therapy, radiofrequency ablation treatment and surgery. If the nodule is cancerous, the entire thyroid gland, or half of the thyroid gland, needs to be removed.

7 Natural Remedies for Symptoms of Thyroid Disease:

1. Avoid iodine deficiency
2. Eat foods rich in selenium, zinc and vitamin B12
3. Avoid inflammatory foods
4. Reduce stress levels
5. Try ashwagandha and other adaptogen herbs
6. Take probiotics
7. Reduce toxic exposures

The post Thyroid Nodules: 7 Natural Ways to Manage Symptoms of Thyroid Disease appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Everyone has felt it. That sudden pounding heartbeat. Sweaty palms. A surge of energy as you scan for exits. That’s epinephrine.

Epinephrine is a hormone released by the adrenal glands. The hormone is also called adrenaline. Epinephrine is released during periods of sudden or severe stress and is the energy rush behind our “fight or flight” mode.

While it’s crucial to have enough epinephrine in the body at the right times, there are many ways its overproduction can cause health problems. Persistent high levels can raise your risk of anxiety, depression, weight gain and heart disease. Thankfully, there are ways you can naturally reduce adrenaline production.

Are Adrenaline and Epinephrine the Same Thing?

Adrenaline and epinephrine are the same thing. The words are used interchangeably to describe the “fight-or-flight” hormone made mainly by the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys.

How Epinephrine Works

The adrenal glands have a portion called the medulla, which makes the hormone epinephrine, also called adrenaline. When we are under stress, our hypothalamus (a tiny region in the brain) raises the alarm. Our nervous system activates the adrenal glands to release adrenaline into the blood. The hormone then latches onto receptors by certain organs, such as the heart and lungs. Epinephrine helps our bodies in a number of ways when facing stress: (1, 2)

• It causes our heart to pump faster and helps our airways dilate so we can get more oxygen to our muscles.
• Epinephrine also helps our blood vessels to contract to direct more blood toward our heart, lungs and other key muscles.
• The hormone helps the pupil of the eye enlarge, improving vision and perception.
• It boosts our awareness, strength and performance and decreases our ability to feel pain.
• The hormone helps break down glucose to turn it into sugar for the body and brain to use for energy.

You may also notice increased sweat production, palpitations or sensation of a racing heartbeat (tachycardia), anxiety and high blood pressure. The body continues to feel the effects of its energy boost for up to an hour after the stress has subsided. In times of real stress, these changes can dramatically improve our ability to function. But when we feel acute stress without the physical need to escape or move suddenly, our bodies may still produce adrenaline. In these cases, it can cause dizziness, light-headedness or changes in vision. Alternatively, it can make you feel irritable or restless. High levels of the hormone when there is no real danger can lead to the jitters, nervousness or excitability, trouble sleeping and even heart damage.

High vs. Low Levels

In times of severe stress, epinephrine is released at high levels. The sudden increase is normal and subsides after the stress has faded. In most cases, adrenaline is only needed for those periods of stress.

However, some people have high levels of adrenaline even when there is no danger present. Producing adrenaline during stressful events that don’t require sudden activity is fairly common, but true, constant overproduction is rare.

High levels of epinephrine can be caused by: (2, 3)

• Stress in daily life. Even when we don’t need to flee or fight, our body experiences stress from things such as sudden noises, work events, the pressure of managing a hectic schedule and more. The chronic stress caused by daily demands can lead to continually raised levels of stress hormones. This includes adrenaline as well as cortisol, which boosts sugar levels in the blood and curbs our immune, digestive, reproductive and growth processes. Together, consistent high levels of these stress hormones can cause major problems for our wellbeing.
• Obesity and untreated obstructive sleep apnea. When the body struggles to breathe at night, adrenaline kicks in to give the heart and lungs a burst of energy and a temporary increase in wakefulness to the brain. Over time this may lead to high blood pressure.
• Adrenal tumors or adrenal cancer. Tumors called pheochromocytoma grow on the adrenal glands, or paraganglioma grows along the nerves in the chest and abdomen. These tumors can run in families and cause periodic symptoms of an adrenaline rush. However, sometimes symptoms are very mild and people may not even notice the excess adrenaline.

Low levels of adrenaline are very rare, even if you have lost your adrenal glands due to disease or surgery. This is because your nervous system can make noradrenaline or norepinephrine, which functions very similarly to epinephrine. However, it is possible to have adrenaline deficiency caused by rare genetic enzyme deficiencies. There are also some cases of adrenal insufficiency that result in low levels of hormones produced by the adrenal glands. Some people also believe in adrenal fatigue, or mild and undetectable (via current blood tests) decreased production of these critical hormones that results in a variety of symptoms.

Uses

In addition to the body’s uses for epinephrine to boost our energy and awareness during acute stress, the hormone has been made into a medicine. Its uses as a medication include: (4, 5, 6)

• Life-threatening allergic reactions, called anaphylaxis. These can be due to allergies to food, insect bites or stings, latex, medications and other things. Epinephrine is injected into the outer thigh muscle. It works by narrowing the blood vessels to decrease swelling and increase blood pressure. Epinephrine then helps the heart continue pumping to avoid a heart attack, and relaxes the airways to make it easier to breathe. It also suppresses the body’s reaction to the allergen.
• Asthma attacks. Because epinephrine can dilate the airway, inhaled epinephrine can be given to help calm or prevent serious breathing difficulties.
• Heart attacks. If your heart has stopped beating, an epinephrine injection may help it restart.
• Serious infections. When the body is in septic shock, delivering epinephrine directly into the vein (through an IV) may help the body regulate itself again. Alternatively, inhaled epinephrine may help during severe respiratory infections.
• Anesthesia. Using small doses of epinephrine in addition to anesthesia can slow the body’s absorption of the anesthesia medication and make the pain relief last longer.

Related: Catecholamines and Stress Response: What You Need to Know

How to Reduce Production Naturally: 9 Tips

According to the Mayo Clinic, the key to naturally limiting the body’s adrenaline levels is to learn to react to stress in a healthy way. Conveniently, tips for reducing adrenaline production overlap with tips to reduce cortisol and other stress-related hormones also made by the adrenal glands, since controlling stress and anxiety is the key action. Consider these tips for stress relief and epinephrine control: (3, 7)

1. Learn effective relaxation techniques

Coping with stress effectively can help your body regulate the production of stress hormones. Over time, you may be able to reduce the stress response you feel when faced with common stressors. Although most research studies the impact of these techniques on cortisol, it is probable they have a similar impact on epinephrine and norepinephrine levels, especially when practiced after acute stress. Some effective ways to relax and reduce your response to stress include: (3)

• Try integrative body-mind training (IBMT). Daily practice of this relaxation training for at least two weeks can decrease your overall levels of stress hormones. It can also be done in 20-minute sessions after you experience an acute stressor to significantly reduce your circulating stress hormones such as cortisol. (8) IBMT is a form of meditation that emphasizes avoiding efforts to control your thoughts, instead focusing on becoming restful but alert. You aim for body-mind awareness and may then be given guidance from a coach on breathing, mental imagery and other techniques, with soft music in the background.
• Visualize. In this technique, you focus on mental images to transport yourself to a place you find calming and peaceful. For example, you can sit quietly and close your eyes, loosen tight clothing, and choose an image to focus on, such as a beach or retreat. Think about how it looks, what it would smell like, the things you would hear and what you could touch or how you would feel.
• Try autogenic relaxation. By paying attention to how you feel versus how you want to feel, you can effectively relax yourself. For example, start by thinking about something that is peaceful. Then start paying attention to your body. Focus on controlling your breathing, slowing your heartbeat, relaxing each limb one by one, and so on. You may wish to say words or phrases to yourself to help keep your focus on relieving muscle tension.
• Learn progressive muscle relaxation. Even shortened forms of this technique were found to significantly lower stress hormone levels in university students. (9) The technique involves deep breathing while tensing each muscle group tightly for up to 10 seconds. Then release the muscles and rest for up to 20 seconds before moving to the next group of muscles.
• Listen to music specifically to relax. Research in university students found that listening to calming music with the intention to relax was effective at relieving stress and even at reducing subsequent levels of stress hormones. (10)

2. Get a (relaxing) hobby

Enjoying a hobby on a regular basis can help reduce your risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. (11) People without hobbies are more likely to suffer from depression. Hobbies may allow you to better process life events and bring a sense of productivity and satisfaction. Consider a wide range of hobbies that may improve your mood, release feel-good endorphins and reduce stress:

• Drawing or painting
• Journaling or writing a story
• Writing handwritten letters to friends or loved ones
• Creating cards, scrapbooks or mementos
• Woodcarving or large crafting
• Outdoor hobbies, such as walking, birdwatching, canoeing, cycling or gardening
• Learning a new skill or taking a class just for fun
• Cooking or baking
• Yoga, meditation or mindfulness

3. Volunteer

Volunteering has obvious benefits for whatever charity or organization you’re helping, but it can also help you relieve stress. As a bonus, it can help lower blood pressure, strengthen your social involvement and get you to be more physically active. The connection between volunteering and these health factors is strongest for older adults. (12) The trick? Aim to do it at least 200 hours per year, and for the good of others — not just for you.

4. Make friends — and spend time with them

Social support is a well-known protector. Having friends or strong support from family members can help you cope with stressful events and provide you with practical support when times are tough. The American Psychological Association recommends these tips for growing your support network and using your supporters to relieve stress: (13)

• Be open to a broad circle or friends. You will probably need more than one person to best deal with the many stressors in life. For example, a work colleague to talk about stress at work or a neighbor to chat with about the difficulties of parenting. Seek out people who are reliable and trustworthy as well as encouraging.
• Reach out when you’re stressed out. Research in healthy men given a stress test showed that those who had their best friend present had lower levels of stress hormones, a greater sense of calmness and less anxiety than men who had no social supporter with them. (14) Other research has shown that verbal support from a friend during a stressful situation can reduce blood pressure, calm your heart rate, reduce the amount of stress hormones released, relieve pain, and reduce how difficult, tense or trying we perceive a stressful task to be. (15)
• Make an effort to be a friend to others. Reach out before you need help. Be involved and active to grow your relationships. Get in touch just to say “hi” or set up time to catch up with each other. Providing others with support when they need it also sets the tone for a lasting relationship.
• Seek out people who know what you’re coping with. If you don’t have someone who is good to confide in or if there is a specific stressor you’re dealing with, consider a focused group of supporters. Groups that meet to offer support to others coping with divorce, grief and other life stressors can offer new friendships and a wide circle of social supporters.

5. Laugh

You may have heard that “laughter is the best medicine” and in some ways it’s true. Laughter offers a free and fairly direct way to boost mood and lower our levels of stress hormones. It may also improve your oxygen intake, relax your muscles, relieve pain, balance your blood pressure and improve your mental functioning. It is being increasingly added to therapy programs for people with everything from stress to cancer. (16)

• Try laughing Qigong. Regular laughing Qigong sessions effectively reduced stress and cortisol levels among young people completing an eight-week program. (17)
• Do some laughter therapy. Laughing decreases epinephrine and other stress hormones in the blood, which can work to reverse your body’s stress response. Research suggests laughter therapy can help improve mood, reduce discomfort, and help rebalance the endorphins leading to depression and stress. (18)

Laughter therapy can include guided physical laughing and body posturing as well as humor programs. Other methods include clowns or comedy shows. The internet is awash with YouTube laughter therapy videos. You can also contact a hospital or therapy center to ask whether they offer group laughter therapy sessions.

6. Take care of your body

Overall, a combination of healthy lifestyle factors may have a much stronger impact on your adrenaline levels than a single change. A study of people’s urinary stress hormone levels, including epinephrine and norepinephrine and cortisol, found that people who had a combination of multiple positive health behaviors were likely to have lower levels of stress hormones. These healthy habits included a healthy diet, taking part in some physical activity, not smoking, maintaining a good social support network, and getting enough sleep. (19) Consider these self-care strategies:

• Eat a balanced diet. Consider a diet focused on reducing high blood pressure, if that is a symptom you often have. You can also consider anti-depression diets. Although there is no concrete list of foods that lower adrenaline immediately, diets to reduce stress abound and often are low in refined sugars, starches and saturated fat, and high in vegetables, poly-unsaturated fatty acids, nuts, seeds, whole grains and lean proteins.
• Get seven or eight hours of sleep each night.
• Reduce your sedentary time. Make a point to get up and stretch or walk around for a few minutes every hour, and work other small increases in physical activity into your day.
• Exercise more. Aim for aerobic activity most days of the week. Even five or 10 minutes can start to improve mood, reduce anxiety and provide several hours of relief. (20)
• Don’t smoke. Smoking is linked to increased levels of cortisol, and quitting results in an abrupt and lasting reduction in the levels of this stress hormone in the body. (21)
• Avoid recreational drugs, excessive alcohol intake and drug misuse. (22)

7. Make lifestyle adjustments as needed

If there are significant stressors in your life, you may need to consider big-ticket changes in order to reduce your stress levels. Consider some of these possible stressors and how you can adjust your life to make things more manageable:

• A stressful job. If your job is a source of constant stress, consider making a change. If you’re not in the position to find a new job, options may include:
  • Setting parameters on availability. For example, do not check work email between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.
  • Working out differences with colleagues. If a particular person is creating a stressful situation, try setting aside time with them to discuss the problem in as neutral a way as possible. If that doesn’t work, reach out to human resources or a trusted coworker to help you find possible solutions.
  • Requesting assistance. If your workload has become unmanageable or unreasonable, let your supervisor know. There may be others on the team who can shoulder an increased workload or it may help make the case for a new hire.
• Troubled relationships. High-tension, unhappy, insecure or abusive relationships can be a major source of stress. Consider seeking counseling or setting aside time with your loved one to tackle the issues as a team.
  • If you are being abused, consider making a safety plan or reaching out to an abuse hotline for assistance. (23)
• Financial difficulties. Money problems can be a constant stressor. If you are in debt, there are a number of practical ways you can tackle the problem. Develop a budget; evaluate your spending habits; rank your debt repayment priorities; contact your creditors to ask for modified repayment terms and look into debt relief services. If you cannot afford to make payments for housing or food, consider financial assistance programs. (24)
• Caring for aging parents or relatives. Although it can be a tremendous chance for deepening your relationship and growing as an individual, caring for aging relatives can take its toll. Try some self-care tips: (25)
  • Be aware of the signs of burnout, such as a change in appetite, getting ill frequently, sleeplessness, depression, or desires to hurt yourself or your loved one.
  • Recognize that it’s normal to feel some mixed or negative emotions about caregiving.
  • Set realistic goals. You can’t do everything on the to-do list at all times.
  • Schedule respite care or regular time for yourself. It’s not selfish — it actually helps you be a better caregiver because you will be healthier and happier.
  • Ask others for help. Reach out to family or friends with specific requests or suggestions for how they could help.
  • Connect with others. Even just talking about your stress and thoughts can help unburden you and improve your wellbeing.

If you cannot confidently manage your stressors on your own or with the support of loved ones, it may be time to seek help from a professional. Consider counseling offered through your church or community centers. Many health insurance plans and large companies offer free telephone counseling services. You may also be able to self-pay or seek insurance reimbursement for professional therapy, group therapy, life coaching or psychoanalysis.

8. Try aromatherapy

In clinical studies, aromatherapy has been found to lower levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine, even during childbirth. (26) Even a single massage using essential oil aromatherapy can result in significant reductions in your body’s heart rhythm, brain wave patterns and cortisol excretion. (27) Calming essential oils such as lavender, bergamot, orange oil and many others may help relieve stress and reduce your body’s production of stress hormones, even with short-term sessions. (28, 29)

9. Consider herbal remedies

Some research supports the use of herbs to regulate mood and relieve stress. Always consult a physician prior to starting new herbal remedies, however, since they can interact with medications and health conditions. Consider some of the herbal remedies below, including Dr. Axe’s list of adaptogenic herbs and supplements to lower adrenaline:

• Panax ginseng
• Holy basil or tulsi
• Indian ginseng (ashwagandha)
• Astragalus root
• Licorice root
• Rhodiola
• Cordycep mushrooms

You can also try drinking your favorite tea. The polyphenols in tea leaves (both black and green) effectively reduced the stress response in a laboratory study of mice. These and other well-known health benefits of tea make it an attractive way to potentially calm stress. (30)

Precautions

• Excess, unnecessary adrenaline can cause serious health problems. If you feel like you have adrenaline rushes even without stressful events, or if you have trouble managing your stress levels, talk to a health care professional.
• Symptoms of an adrenaline rush can be confused with serious health conditions, including heart attacks. If you suspect your symptoms are not due to an adrenaline rush, seek urgent medical care.
• Incorrect epinephrine dosages (such as adult doses given to children) or incorrect administration (such as injecting into the vein instead of the muscle) can cause death. Use epinephrine only as prescribed and get trained before use.
• Even with appropriate medical use, epinephrine side effects can be severe and include anxiety, dizziness, dry mouth, increased sweating, headache, nausea and a feeling of weakness.
• Before trying natural remedies for too much adrenaline, consider getting evaluated to find out if your adrenaline levels are indeed too high. Symptoms of excess epinephrine can be mistaken with other conditions.

Final Thoughts

• Epinephrine and adrenaline are the same thing: a hormone made by the adrenal glands to help our bodies during “fight-or-flight” moments of acute stress.
• There are many epinephrine functions in the body, including an increase in blood flow to vital organs, opened airways, more sugar in the blood and better vision so that our energy, strength and performance are improved. These effects give the energy and alertness we would need to face or flee a stressor in our environment.
• When there is no real danger present, our bodies may still have epinephrine kicking us into high gear in response to other stressors. This can cause dizziness, light-headedness, a racing heartbeat, anxiety, vision changes and sweaty palms.
• Epinephrine is also used as a medication for severe allergies, asthma attacks and other illnesses.
• True problems with regulating epinephrine levels are rare, but some people do make too much or too little. This may happen as a result of obesity and sleep apnea, chronic stress, adrenal tumors or rare genetic conditions. If you feel you have symptoms of an adrenaline rush without an actual stressor, seek evaluation by a health care professional.

You can manage chronic stress and may be able to lower your body’s production of stress hormones, including epinephrine, by trying some of the following tips:

1. Learn effective relaxation techniques
2. Get a relaxing hobby
3. Volunteer
4. Make friends — and spend time with them
5. Laugh
6. Take care of your body
7. Make lifestyle adjustments as needed
8. Try aromatherapy
9. Consider herbal remedies

Read Next: Use Breathwork Techniques to Boost Your Mental State

The post What Is Epinephrine? (+ How to Reduce Adrenaline Production Naturally) appeared first on Dr. Axe.

The adrenal glands are truly amazing in that they pump out dozens of different life-dependent hormones daily. Some are the so-called “stress hormones'” like cortisol that have many crucial roles within the body: regulating electrolyte balance, managing fluid retention and body weight, helping you sleep and concentrate, giving you a sex drive, and much more. This is why adrenal fatigue and hormonal imbalances are usually noticeable and impact all areas of your life.

There are two main classifications of adrenal disorders. One type, referred to as Addison’s Disease, is caused by illnesses of the adrenal glands themselves, including adrenal cancer, infections or bleeding (called “primary adrenal insufficiency“). These types are less common and usually cause physical damage to the adrenal glands that can be detected. Primary adrenal insufficiency is diagnosed when about 90 percent of the adrenal cortex has been destroyed.

The second group of adrenal disorders is much more common and develops despite no physical illnesses in the adrenal glands, but rather stress-related or autoimmune reactions taking place. Called “secondary adrenal insufficiency,” this still results in serious hormonal imbalances and symptoms.

Adrenal Insufficiency Symptoms

How do you know if you’re experiencing adrenal insufficiency versus just temporarily feeling more stressed than usual? Some of the common signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include:

• chronic fatigue (lasting more than a couple weeks)
• muscle weakness
• changes in appetite (especially a loss of appetite)
• weight loss
• digestive issues (including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
• low blood pressure
• dizziness or fainting
• mood changes, irritability and depression
• headaches
• cravings for salty foods
• low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• trouble sleeping, which leads to always feeling tired
• sweating and night-sweating
• missed menstrual or irregular periods in women
• low libido

These symptoms and feelings can come on gradually and might be triggered by a very stressful life event. Many people describe the feeling of adrenal insufficiency as being “wired but tired” — so you feel your heart beating, body producing sweat and mind racing, yet you’re also fatigued, stressed and irritable at the same time.

Most of these symptoms are caused by very low levels of cortisol, a hallmark of adrenal insufficiency.

In rare circumstances, a more serious form of cute adrenal insufficiency can develop called Adrenal Crisis (or Addison Disease Crisis). Sometimes people experience an “adrenal crisis” following some time of traumatic life experience, and this makes the symptoms worse enough that they finally seek medical treatment. This condition is life-threatening and must be treated immediately by professionals, so it’s important to get to the emergency room right away if symptoms show up.

Symptoms can come on gradually, or abruptly, and sometimes are triggered by a very stressful event or a change in adrenal medication. The “crisis” takes place when severe adrenal insufficiency is caused by insufficient levels of cortisol, possibly due to not initially treating a case of milder adrenal insufficiency.

According to the National Institute of Health, symptoms of adrenal crisis include:

• Abdominal pain
• Confusion or coma
• Dehydration
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Fatigue
• Flank pain
• Headache
• High fever
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of consciousness
• Low blood pressure
• Nausea
• Profound weakness
• Rapid heart rate
• Rapid respiratory rate (see tachypnea)
• Slow, sluggish movement
• Unusual and excessive sweating on face or palms
• Vomiting

Adrenal crisis intervention usually involves high dose steroid injections, fluids and electrolytes to help restore function of the adrenal and pituitary glands. If left untreated, people can suffer serious symptoms and even die suddenly, so this is a situation to take very seriously.

Causes

The underlying cause of secondary adrenal gland failure is usually the body experiencing autoimmune reactions. This essentially means that your immune system starts working on overdrive, attacking its own healthy tissue because it mistakenly suspects that the body is being attacked by a “foreign invader” or threat. While medications, genetic factors, surgery, illnesses and serious infections can also cause adrenal problems, autoimmune reactions are the No. 1 reason by far for secondary adrenal insufficiency.

When someone experiences an autoimmune disease, for reasons that still aren’t totally understood, the adrenal cortex is sometimes viewed as being potentially harmful — so an abundance of white blood cells and proteins from the immune system begin to attack and destroy it.

Under constant attack, the adrenal glands lose the ability to adequately respond to a stimulating hormone called adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) by the pituitary gland. The intricate system in the body called the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis no longer functions to send and receive signals that govern hormone production.

Once the adrenals become unresponsive to ACTH and no longer pump out all the necessary hormones we need to function well and feel good, symptoms start to kick in, sometimes slowly, but other times quickly and aggressively.

What’s the cause of autoimmune reactions? Usually it’s a combination of different factors that include:

• High levels of stress or a very stressful experience (like death in the family or major life change)
• Exposure to environmental toxins and pollution
• Lack of sleep and constantly pushing yourself despite feeling exhausted
• Poor diet (including one that triggers allergies)
• Over-exercising/overtraining or a lack of exercise

Another form of adrenal insufficiency is Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), which is genetic and a condition that a baby is born with. This type is rare, affecting just 1 in every 10,000-18,000 babies. In many states newborns are tested for this condition, but unfortunately there is no known cure and treatment plan in place as of this time.

This type of AS is caused by a lack of certain enzymes that the adrenal gland needs to make hormones. It can cause the body to produce more androgen, which is a type of male sex hormone, so symptoms can include changes in menstrual cycles, male pattern hair growth/balding, a deepening voice, on top of symptoms normally seen in adrenal insufficiency. Treatment involves brining hormones levels back to normal as much as possible, usually by hydrocortisone.

How It Develops

There are two main parts of the adrenal glands that produce hormones: the interior (medulla), which secretes adrenaline (the “fight or flight” hormone) and other similar hormones, and the outer layer (cortex), which secretes corticosteroids. The primary types of cartiocosteroids produced by the cortex include glucocorticoids (including cortisol), mineralocorticoids and androgens (male sex hormones).

Of all of these various hormones, the one we usually hear most about is cortisol. That’s because cortisol controls a wide range of emotions, reactions and functions within the body: activating the body’s stress responses, raising blood sugar, helping convert nutrients from food into usable energy, triggering the immune system, producing inflammatory responses and more. In fact, researchers believe that cortisol likely has hundreds of different functions in the body and affects almost every organ and system in one way or another.

Aside from cortisol, other adrenal hormones like mineralocorticoids help to maintain nutrient levels in the body, including sodium and potassium, which are needed to balance one another out and keep blood pressure normal. Androgens are another type, classified as sex hormones that both women and men have. Androgens (including testosterone) are often called “male sex hormones” because they’re involved in masculine bodily functions like building muscle mass, controlling hair growth and maintaining a libido.

In a healthy person, here’s a quick overview of how the adrenal glands should work:

A part of the brain called the hypothalamus (considered the “control center” for most hormones) sends the pituitary gland “releasing hormones” in order control sex hormone production, thyroid and adrenal functions. The pituitary gland then has the job of communicating with the adrenal glands, sending it signals of ACTH that is meant to stimulate adrenal hormone production.

Usually, the adrenals do their job, making proper levels of cortisol and other hormones, and the pituitary gland and hypothalamus get the message — but in people with adrenal insufficiency, all of the communication lines are thrown off.

Diagnosis

To test for adrenal insufficiency, your doctor will likely talk to you about your stress levels, symptoms and history. Hormonal blood and urine tests to check for levels of ACTH, cortisol and other factors are also typical. The ACTH stimulation test is the most commonly used and involves getting an injection of synthetic ACTH along with testing reactions in the blood and urine for changes in cortisol levels. Even with ACTH administered, people with adrenal insufficiency have little or no increase in cortisol.

A CRH stimulation test can also help determine the cause of adrenal insufficiency and involves blood being taken before and 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after an ACTH injection. Blood tests (such as an Insulin-Induced Hypoglycemia Test) can also reveal low blood sodium, low blood glucose and high blood potassium, which are sometimes observed in people with adrenal problems. Finally, a blood test can detect antibodies, proteins made by the immune system, that are associated with autoimmune diseases.

Addison’s Disease (also called primary or chronic adrenal insufficiency, or hypocortisolism) is one type of autoimmune endocrine disorder that affects about one in 100,000 people. Addison’s Disease symptoms are usually even more prominent and include weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure and changes in skin color.

It’s believed that Addison’s Disease is a result of similar adrenal impairments, especially low levels of cortisol. About 70 percent of reported cases of Addison’s disease are believed to be caused by autoimmune disorders in which the immune system makes high levels of antibodies to destroy the adrenal glands.

Natural Remedies

1. Adjust Your Diet

One of the most important steps you can take to naturally support adrenal and hormonal balance is taking out foods that stress your body and adding in foods that replenish your adrenal energy. Removing common allergens or sensitives, toxins, and chemicals can help your body heal itself. These include:

• too much alcohol or caffeine, which interfere with your sleep cycle and can result in anxiety or depression — in addition to caffeine overdose
• most sources of sugar and sweeteners (including high-fructose corn syrup, packaged sweet products and refined grains that trigger a sugar addiction), which are inflammatory and irritating to the gut
• as much packaged and processed foods as possible, since these are filled with many types of artificial ingredients, preservatives, sugars and sodium
• hydrogenated and refined vegetable oils (soybean, canola, safflower, sunflower and corn), which are highly inflammatory

Replace these with as much whole, unrefined food as possible. Some of the best choices included in a healing diet are:

• natural, healthy fats (coconuts and coconut oil, butter, avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, for example)
• plenty of vegetables (especially all leafy greens and cruciferous veggies like cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, etc.)
• wild-caught fish (such as salmon, mackerel or sardines that provide anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids)
• high-quality animal products that are grass-fed, pasture-raised and organic (eggs, beef, chicken and turkey, for example)
• sea vegetables like kelp and seaweed (high in iodine to support thyroid health)
• Celtic or Himalayan sea salt
• high-fiber foods like berries, chia seeds, flaxseeds and starchy veggies
• probiotic foods like kombucha, sauerkraut, yogurt and kefir

2. Reduce Stress

Changing your environment to help lower stress is crucial for adrenal health. Effective stress-reduction comes in many forms and depends on the person. Some great ways to bust stress include:

• practicing hobbies or something fun every day
• meditation and healing prayer
• relaxing breathing techniques
• spending time outside, in the sunlight and in nature
• maintaining a consistent and reasonable work schedule
• eating on a regular schedule and avoiding too many stimulants like alcohol, sugar and caffeine
• exercising in a moderate, enjoyable way without pushing yourself past your limits
• getting professional help when needed to deal with major life events or traumas

3. Make Getting Good Sleep a Priority

Your adrenal glands need plenty of quality rest to work properly, since a lack of sleep means they need to crank out extra stress hormones like cortisol to keep you up and battle low energy levels. Rest when you feel tired, and get as much quality, uninterrupted sleep as you can, aiming for eight to 10 hours a night depending on your specific needs. Try to stick to a regular schedule since your body loves a routine, and avoid staying up late and flip-flopping your wakeup times as much as you can.

4. Consider Changing Your Exercise Routine

Exercise helps bust stress, but it’s also possible for there to be “too much of a good thing.” Over-exercising and not recovering properly with rest days taxes your adrenals and messes with hormone production. Move your body in ways that you enjoy, but also give yourself rest when needed, allow for adequate muscle recovery, and listen to your body for signs of fatigue or injury. Not doing any exercise at all can leave you stagnant, moody and tired, but pushing yourself too hard is also a major stressor and ultimately winds up backfiring.

5. Try Beneficial Supplements

Supplements that support adrenal functioning include:

• Ashwagandha and holy basil (“adaptogen herbs” that help the body deal with stress)
• Omega-3 fish oil (EPA/DHA)
• Licorice root
• Magnesium (an anti-stressor)
• B vitamin complex including vitamin B5 and vitamin B12
• Vitamin C (an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory)
• Vitamin D3 and zinc (support hormone functioning)

How Long Should It Take to See Improvements?

It can take some time to naturally heal your adrenal glands and start to feel more energetic, clear-headed, and in control of your hormones, weight and appetite. Everyone is different and reacts to lifestyle changes in unique ways. Some people will need to take medications to ultimately heal their problems, while others can feel drastically better by simply paying attention to their diets, stress levels and lifestyles. Either way, following the recommendations for natural remedies listed above is definitely still the way to speed up healing time and prevent the problem from worsening.

While there isn’t necessarily one tried-and-true way to recover from adrenal problems, here’s what you can expect in terms of timing:

• 6–9 months for minor adrenal issues
• 12–18 months for moderate adrenal insufficiency
• Up to 24 months for severe adrenal insufficiency

If you visit a doctor about adrenal insufficiency (including an endocrinologist who specializes in hormonal diseases), she or he might recommend you take medications to help speed up the healing process and reverse cortisol deficiency symptoms. Taking glucocorticoid medications like prednisone or hydrocortisone are the most common treatments, and the dosage of these depends on your level of stress, any present infections, medical history and injuries. The primary reason for taking hormonal replacement medications is to bring your cortisol and other hormone levels up to normal as quickly as possible.

Another important aspect to consider is how your current medications might be affecting your adrenals in a negative way. It’s possible that adrenal insufficiency can develop when a person taking glucocorticoid hormones (like prednisone) for a long time, which act similarly to cortisol, suddenly stops taking those medications. If you’re on any prescriptions for treating inflammatory illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, asthma or ulcerative colitis, talk to your doctor about how to adjust your dosage appropriately before changing them yourself since these can lower ACTH and cortisol.

The post Natural Solutions for Reversing Adrenal Insufficiency appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Is Hashimoto a serious disease? Yes, it is quite serious because when left unaddressed, Hashimoto’s disease typically continues to progress and can cause chronic thyroid damage. This results in a decrease in crucial thyroid hormones, which can set off a cascade of other major issues including mental health and heart problems. (1)

Can Hashimoto’s disease go away? Yes, with the right treatment it is possible to return to normal thyroid function. In this article I’m going to share with you the most important steps you need to follow in order to overcome Hashimoto’s disease. I’ll go through the root causes of Hashimoto’s, common signs and symptoms, how to follow a healing Hashimoto’s/hypothyroidism diet, beneficial supplements, as well as other natural treatments to help treat symptoms.

What Is Hashimoto’s Disease?

Hashimoto’s disease, also called chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis or simply Hashimoto’s, is an autoimmune disorder, which means the immune system is producing antibodies that are attacking the body’s own healthy tissue, and in the process negatively impacting functions of the thyroid gland.

In developed countries Hashimoto’s is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. (2) An alarming fact: In developed countries like the United States, it’s estimated that 90 percent to 95 percent of cases of hypothyroidism are due to Hashimoto’s disease! (3) In the vast majority of cases hypothyroidism is not actually a problem of just the thyroid gland itself, but rather it’s a condition stemming from overreaction of the entire immune system.

The primary hormones that are produced by the thyroid are called T4 and T3. Their production depends on the brains “control center,” the hypothalamus, accurately sensing the need for more thyroid hormone in the bloodstream and signaling the pituitary gland to then release more.

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is normally released by the pituitary gland in response to changing levels of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream, but with Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism this system fails. There is either too little T4 being converted to T3; the hypothalamus is not signaling to the pituitary gland properly; or the pituitary gland is not releasing enough thyroid stimulating hormone after it is signaled to do so.

You may still be wondering, what is the difference between Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism? These two labels are not interchangeable even though both involve the thyroid becoming undertactive. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease in which antibodies react against thyroid gland proteins causing gradual destruction of the thyroid gland itself, resulting in reduced production of thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism is considered a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.

Signs and Symptoms

Some of the most common warning signs and symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease include: (4)

• Fatigue
• Depression and anxiety
• Weight gain
• Infertility
• Feeling cold easily, including when others do not
• Digestive issues like constipation and bloating
• Muscle aches and tenderness
• A swollen face, eyes and belly
• Stiffness and swelling in the joints
• Hair loss, changes in hair’s texture or hair thinning
• Rough, cracked skin
• Trouble breathing
• Frequent urination and excessive thirst
• Low sex drive or sexual dysfunction
• Changes in the menstrual cycle, including absent or irregular periods and problems with infertility
• More frequent colds, infections or illnesses due to low immune function

Aside from the noticeable symptoms of Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism you might experience, these disorders also raise the risk for long-term health complications. Studies show that people who have thyroid and autoimmune disorders that are left untreated can go on to develop health problems including: (5)

• Infertility, ovarian failure, pregnancy/birth complications and birth defects
• Thyroid goiter, caused by the thyroid gland becoming enlarged, which can then interfere with normal breathing and swallowing
• Addison’s disease or Graves’ disease (other thyroid disorders)
• Type 2 diabetes
• High cholesterol levels and increased heart disease risk
• Mental disorders including depression
• Brain and kidney problems
• Neurological damage
• Serious infections

Causes and Risk Factors

What is the cause of Hashimoto’s disease? Research shows that the development of autoimmune disorders is multifactorial. Genetics, your diet, environmental influences, stress, your hormone levels and immunological factors are all parts of the puzzle. (6)

What most doctors might not tell you is that the root causes of Hashimoto’s disease (and therefore hypothyroidism) include:

• Autoimmune disease reactions that can attack tissue throughout the entire body, including the thyroid gland
• Leaky gut syndrome and problems with normal digestive functions
• Common allergens, such as inflammatory foods like gluten and dairy
• Other widely-consumed foods that cause sensitivities and intolerances including grains and many food additives
• Emotional stress
• Nutrient deficiencies

Several risk factors make it more likely you’ll develop Hashimoto’s disease at some point in your lifetime. These include: (7)

• Being a woman: Many more women than men get Hashimoto’s disease, for reasons we aren’t exactly sure of. One reason women might be more susceptible is because they are more impacted by stress/anxiety, which can take a serious toll of women’s hormones.
• Middle-age: The majority of people with Hashimoto’s disease are middle-aged between 20 and 60 years of age. The greatest risk is in people over the age of 50, and researchers believe risk only increases with age. Many women over the age of 60 suffer from hypothyroidism to some degree (estimates show around 20 percent or more), but thyroid disorders might go undiagnosed in older women because they closely mimic menopause symptoms.
• A history of autoimmune disorders: If a family member has had Hashimoto’s or a thyroid disorder, or you’ve dealt with other autoimmune disorders in the past, you’re more likely to develop the disorder yourself.
• Having experienced recent trauma or a very high amount of stress: Stress contributes to hormone imbalances such as adrenal insufficiency, causes changes in the conversion of T4 thyroid hormones to T3, and weakens the body’s immune defenses.
• Pregnancy and being postpartum: Pregnancy impacts thyroid hormones in a number of ways, and it’s possible that some women will develop antibodies to their own thyroid during or after pregnancy. This is called postpartum autoimmune thyroid syndrome or postpartum thyroiditis and it’s said to be the most common thyroid disease in the postpartum period with incidence between five to nine percent.
• Smoking cigarettes
• Having a history of an eating disorder or exercise addiction: Both undereating (malnourishment) and  overtraining reduce thyroid function and contribute to hormonal imbalance.

Leaky Gut Syndrome and Autoimmune Disorders:

If you have a thyroid problem, a big part of its development was likely related to your gut. Autoimmune disorders commonly stem back to a condition called leaky gut syndrome. Hippocrates is famous for saying, “All disease begins in the gut”— and today many scientific studies are telling us he was right. If you’re going to fix your thyroid, you’ve first got to fix and heal leaky gut syndrome! As you’ll learn more about below, you can do this by adjusting your diet, using certain supplements, reducing stress and removing toxins from your body.

When you have leaky gut, holes in the lining of your intestines become larger, and particles like gluten can get through tiny openings where they enter the blood stream. This is why a lot of people with thyroid issues, if they go on an anti-inflammatory and gluten-free diet, will notice almost immediate results in terms of better thyroid functioning and reduced symptoms. We will go over treatments in more detail in the following sections. For now just keep this in mind: Diet-wise, the first thing you’ve got to do is remove the things that cause inflammation within your gut and autoimmune responses within your body.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Hashimoto’s disease is based on any signs and symptoms you’re showing, plus results from blood testing. A thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test is is typically used to identify Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism because it measures levels of thyroid hormone and TSH.

A doctor is also likely to order an antibody test to see if you test positive for thyroid antibodies that are typically present with Hashimoto’s. Some evidence of Hashimoto’s can also be detected during an ultrasound.

There’s some ongoing controversy about what levels are considered normal and abnormal, plus during the early stage of thyroid disorders blood tests might not reveal that anything is wrong because levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) might appear normal. This is when it can be very helpful to get more than one expert opinion.

Conventional Treatment

Is there a cure for Hashimoto’s disease? Hashimoto’s is definitely treatable. What is the best treatment for Hashimoto disease? That depends on who you ask.

Conventional approaches to treating autoimmune disorders including Hashimoto’s disease usually involve “watching and waiting” and taking medications, such as the synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine (brand names Levoxyl, Synthroid, etc.). Sometimes surgery is even needed if the disease progresses enough.

Unfortunately, these treatments don’t solve the underlying problems that are causing autoimmune reactions to happen in the first place. Medications are often not a cure-all and if you do decide to use thyroid medications such as synthetic hormones or steroids, chances are you’ll need them for the rest of your life. (8)

Some patients can improve significantly when taking thyroid medications because the synthetic hormones duplicate those made naturally by the thyroid gland and have similar effects, but this still won’t resolve the issue of the immune system attacking itself.

Natural Treatment

Effectively treating Hashimoto’s disease includes making the following changes to your diet and lifestyle:

1. Remove Immune-Reacting Foods From Your Diet

You must let your system rest and your gut heal if you want to normalize immune system and thyroid gland functions. Here are the most important steps to controlling Hashimoto’s disease using your diet:

• Eliminate gluten: If you have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease, go gluten-free to start. This might seem tough, overwhelming and like a big change compared to what you’re used to, but it’s really important. I recommend going gluten-free, and overall grain-free, for a period of time — a total of about 90 days — and then following a gluten-free diet longterm.
• Consider going grain-free: Gluten is one of the biggest autoimmune and allergen culprits, but it’s not the only one. Look for other foods that can act like gluten in your body and contribute to gut inflammation. Dairy products that are pasteurized/homogenized, plus regular unsprouted grains, are two of these food groups.  In centuries past, dairy foods were eaten raw and ancient grains were easier to digest and provided more absorbable nutrients because they were soaked, sprouted and fermented. Today this practice has mostly been lost, and refined or bleached flours are consumed in higher quantities than ever before.
• Avoid fast foods and too much added sugar: Excess sugar in your diet will undoubtedly cause inflammation of the gut, not to mention contribute to blood sugar fluctuations, weight gain, nervousness and other symptoms. Fast foods and packaged products made with refined oils (including vegetable oils like safflower, sunflower, canola and corn oil) are also inflammatory and very low in nutrients.

2. Consume Gut Healing Foods

The best diet to follow if you have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease is a healing diet that’s high in vegetables and fruits, as well as nutrient-packed foods like bone broth and organic meats. These are the foods that are easiest for your body to digest and least likely to cause allergic or autoimmune reactions.

Ultimately the type of diet you should follow is something very similar to the GAPS diet plan and protocol. This is an ancient diet that’s full of fruits, vegetables and organic meats that has been found to be effective for many people struggling with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and autoimmune disorders. Eating things like bone broth soup is fantastic, as well as eating probiotic-rich foods (such as yogurt that’s been fermented for 24 to 29 hours, as well as ancient, fermented dairy products like kefir).

Here are some of the top foods for a hypothyroidism diet to start the healing process:

• Fresh veggies and fruit: These are high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and fiber. Fiber helps with digestive health, improves heart health, balances blood sugar levels and supports a healthy weight. Antioxidants and other nutrients fight inflammation and prevent deficiencies.
• Wild-caught fish: These provide anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids EPA/DHA that are essential for hormone balance and thyroid function.
• Coconut oil: Provides medium-chain fatty acids in the form of caprylic acid, lauric acid and capric acid that support a healthy metabolism, increase energy, nourish the gut and fight fatigue.
• Seaweed: Natural sources of iodine that help prevent deficiencies, which disturb thyroid function.
• Probiotic-rich foods: Kefir, organic goat’s milk yogurt, kimchi, kombucha, natto, sauerkraut and other fermented veggies are great, healthy examples of probiotic-rich foods. Probiotics help repopulate the gut with beneficial bacteria and can really help support the healing of the gut and immune system.
• Sprouted seeds and beans/legumes: Flax, hemp and chia seeds provide ALA, a type of hormone-balancing omega-3 fat, while beans and legumes are high in fiber and minerals.
• Bone broth: Helps heal the gut lining by providing collagen, amino acids l-proline and l-glycine, and nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and silicon. Try making some homemade bone broth to use in soups and stews or to just have by itself as a nutrient-rich snack.

3. Supplements

The second step in helping to heal and repair your thyroid is acquiring specific nutrients and supplements that lower autoimmune reactions, help your body handle stress better and regulate activities of the immune system. These include: selenium, probiotics, vitamin D, ashwagandha and other “adaptogenic herbs.”

Selenium

Selenium benefits the thyroid because it’s been shown to regulate the hormones T3 and T4 in your body. Selenium can also lower the risk for thyroiditis during pregnancy (postpartum thyroiditis) and afterward (9). A diet low in iodine and selenium increases the risk for autoimmune thyroiditis because the thyroid gland needs both selenium and iodine to produce adequate levels of thyroid hormones. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that patients who treated selenium deficiency through supplementation experienced a 40 percent reduction in thyroid antibodies on average compared to a 10 percent increase in the placebo group. (10)

Probiotics

Probiotics help support gut health and stronger immunity by balancing microflora in the digestive tract. By repairing your digestive lining, inflammation is reduced, which helps your thyroid as well.

Vitamin D

Some research has shown that more than 90 percent of patients with thyroid disorders are deficient in vitamin D! Vitamin D helps regulate your immune system and acts in many ways like a hormone. The best way to get enough vitamin D is to spend 15 to 20 minutes outside each day with your bare skin exposed to the sun (cholesterol in our skin converts “previtamin D” and makes it into usable vitamin D3). Supplementing with 600 to 5,000 IU/daily of vitamin D can also be beneficial when this isn’t possible.

Adaptogenic herbs

Ashwagandha is proven to help reduce thyroid and adrenal issues by boosting your ability to cope with stress and balance hormones. Medical research shows that it also helps balance thyroid hormone T4, which is critical if you’re going to overcome hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease. (11) Other adaptogen herbs that work in similar ways include rhodiola, ginseng, maca and reishi mushrooms.

B vitamins

B vitamins, especially benefit-rich vitamin B12, are important for energy maintenance and many cellular and metabolic functions. Vitamin B12 is  known as the “energy vitamin” and supports normal cellular functions that fight fatigue.  In one clinical study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, the majority of patients with Hashimoto’s given 600 milligrams per day of thiamine experienced complete regression of fatigue within a few hours or days! (12)

4. Improve the Body’s Ability To Detox

Detoxification and cleansing on a regular basis are beneficial for your thyroid gland to help lower inflammation. What exactly does it mean to detox? This includes reducing your exposure to hormone disruptors in the environment, chemicals in your home and heavy metals. Other ways to detox include:

• If you take birth control pills or medications regularly, consider trying a natural approach to contraception or speaking to your doctor about reducing your medication dosage.
• If you have amalgam fillings in your mouth, look at getting those removed by a DAMS-certified dentist and replaced with mercury-free fillings.
• Pay attention to the type of personal care products and cleaning product you’re using at home; consider replacing those synthetic chemicals with natural products such as those containing essential oils like lemon, peppermint, lavender and frankincense.
• Store food in glass and ceramic containers instead of plastic or aluminum.
• Quit smoking, using recreational drugs and drinking alcohol in excess.

5. Reduce and Manage Stress

According to research regarding stress and autoimmunity published by the Immunology And Allergy Clinic of North America, stress reduction interventions can have a positive therapeutic effect in autoimmune disease patients. (13) Studies have found that a high proportion (up to 80 percent!) of patients with autoimmune symptoms report uncommon emotional stress before disease onset.

Stress can trigger alterations in the production of neuroendocrine hormones and contribute to immune dysfunction by increasing cytokine production. Doctors are now warning patients that stress management should be considered in all multidimensional treatment approaches to resolving underlying causes of Hashimoto’s disease and other disorders (like other thyroid disorders and rheumatoid arthritis).

Different things work for different people when it comes to lowering stress. Taking detox baths with Epsom salts, regularly doing adaptive exercises (like barre, yoga, Pilates and weight-training), reading spiritual growth books, spending time outdoors, and fostering good relationships are all proven natural stress relievers.

Precautions

It’s very important not to leave symptoms of thyroid issues such as Hashimoto’s disease unchecked and unaddressed. If you suspect that you have a problem with your thyroid, you should definitely have testing done as soon as you can. Sometimes second opinions can be helpful, too, to ensure a proper diagnosis.

If you’re looking for an endocrinologist in your area that specializes in thyroid issues, you can search for one according to your location here: American Thyroid Association.

Final Thoughts

Remember these key natural ways to help overcome Hashimoto’s and get your body back on track:

• Removing immune-reacting foods: gluten and other foods that cause sensitivities, etc.
• Consuming gut-healing foods like bone broth
• Supplementing with helpful nutrients, herbs and probiotics
• Boosting the body’s ability to detox
• Reducing and managing stress longterm

Read Next: 8 Natural Hypothyroidism Treatments That Work

The post Natural Remedies for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis appeared first on Dr. Axe.

I remember it like it was yesterday — I was 16 years old and my mother was taking me to the gynecologist because of my heavy, irregular periods and face full of hormonal acne.

After she examined me and asked a few questions, I was given a prescription for birth control pills without a second thought. Meanwhile, I gave no thought to the synthetic hormones I began ingesting on a daily basis. My periods regulated; my acne improved; and I was thrilled.

Fast forward 11 years, and I decided it was time to get off the pill. I was having some digestion issues, and I felt like stopping all medication was the only way I could really see what was going on with my body.

Two months later, my period still hadn’t come; I’d gained 12 pounds for no reason; my cheeks and chin were covered with dozens of pimples; I had horrible cramps; and I was tired, exhausted, anxious and just a mess.

Once again, I made an appointment with my gynecologist, telling her about everything that had happened since I stopped taking hormonal birth control and asking her what she thought might be causing all these issues. I also reminded her that my mother had PCOS and asked if she thought I might have it, too.

“Nahh, you’re just getting older,” the doctor told 27-year-old me. “As we age, we have to eat less and exercise more. Just go back on the Pill until you’re ready to have kids.”

I knew that a pill that synthetically altered my hormones wasn’t the answer and was, instead, just a Band-aid that would mask my symptoms and potentially make everything irreparably worse. What if I went back on the pill and then wanted to have kids and my period never returned?

It was then and there that I realized that if I wanted to feel better, I would have to take my health into my own hands. I had to be my own advocate, do my own research, and find doctors who would listen and work with me to find the root cause — and not just slap a prescription slip in my hand.

After extensive research, I found a holistic MD who helped me understand the root cause of my issues and put me on the road toward healing. I was given a comprehensive hormone panel, and the doctor talked with me for over an hour about my symptoms, lifestyle, family history and diet. Ultimately, I was diagnosed with PCOS, which stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Turns out, PCOS is one of the most common hormonal endocrine disorders in women. Symptoms may include irregular periods, acne, PMS, weight gain (particularly around the midsection), hair loss AND hair growth in strange places (like your chin, upper lip, or sideburns), string of pearl type cysts on your ovaries, extreme PMS symptoms and cramping, insulin resistance and/or type 2 diabetes, headaches, sleep apnea and, often times, infertility.

It’s important to note that PCOS manifests itself differently in every woman. Some don’t have actual cysts (like me), while others do. And some women with PCOS never experience any symptoms, while others feel like they have them all.

In the end, it’s important to look at your situation as unique and work with a thoughtful doctor who can properly diagnose you and help you reverse your PCOS without relying on harmful and controversial medications, like birth control pills, Metformin, Clomid and/or Spironolactone.

Truthfully, I was skeptical at first. After all, Western medicine is all most of us know, and there are certainly times when it’s necessary and life-changing. But I am living proof that PCOS is 100 percent reversible — and you can do it completely naturally, no meds required!

It’s been nearly four years since I was first diagnosed with PCOS, and another two years since I became virtually symptom-free, with regular cycles and balanced hormonal blood work.

How I Reversed My PCOS In 6 Steps

So how did I do it? And how can you, too, reverse your PCOS? Here’s what I’d recommend, based on my personal experience:

1. Get your hormones tested

Having a complete hormone panel run by your doctor is crucial to understanding what type of PCOS you have and what hormones need balancing. Some women have excess androgens (male hormones), which can cause acne, weight gain around the midsection, facial hair growth and missed periods, while other women may be estrogen dominant (meaning their estrogen levels are too high and progesterone too low), resulting in long menstrual cycles, heavy cramping, intense PMS symptoms and infertility.

Be sure that your doctor runs a complete panel that included estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, AMHA, DHEA and perhaps even your thyroid and insulin, as women with PCOS often have hypothyroidism and insulin resistance, as well. (And while you wait to see your doctor, you can also take this free quiz to find out if you have PCOS.)

2. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet

The impact that our diet has on our hormones is pretty amazing. To optimize mine, I followed an anti-inflammatory diet that drastically reduced my intake of gluten, dairy, inflammatory oils, sugar and processed food.

Instead, I filled my plate with plenty of organic, fiber-rich fruits; vegetables and whole grains; healthy fats and lean protein. I also incorporated lots of hormone-healing foods like spearmint tea, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, bone broth, nourishing teas, collagen and adaptogenic mushrooms. 

3. Take hormone-balancing supplements

Today, my supplement routine is much simpler, but when I was in the early stages of healing, it was very important that I nourished my body with a wide variety of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. I was skeptical that supplements would really work, but I can say that, without a doubt, supplements were the key to a lot of my healing, as there are many nutrients that our bodies simply can’t get enough of from food alone — no matter how healthy you eat (hello, Vitamin D!).

To be honest, there’s a level of trial and error that’s involved in finding the supplement routine that works best for you, but vitex, DIM, evening primrose oil, inositol, magnesium and maca are just some of the hormone-balancing supplements that I relied on to reverse my PCOS. 

4. Exercise smart

Did you know that over-exercising (e.g., exercising for more than 60 minutes per session, or running) can burn out your adrenals? And that elevated levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) can cause your other hormones to become out of whack?

That’s why I made the switch from long, intense workout sessions several times a week, to exercising for less time (15–30 minutes) every single day. I also stopped running and started taking long, leisurely walks and going to restorative yoga classes. Some other ways to nourish your adrenals: self-care techniques like meditation, Epsom salt bath soaks, massage and reading (particularly in the sun for 15 minutes a day to boost vitamin D levels). It’s also helpful to consume less caffeine and alcohol.

5. Toss toxic products that disrupt hormones

In the same way that what we put in our body is important, so too is what we put on our bodies. And unfortunately, most store-bought products contain a cocktail of harmful chemicals that are proven to cause cancer, asthma and allergies, neurotoxicity and hormonal imbalances (including infertility). Eliminating these products was particularly important for my PCOS, as many of these toxins mimic estrogen in the body, further exacerbating estrogen dominance and hormonal imbalances.

So toss toxic store-bought skincare, makeup, personal hygiene and cleaning products and replace them with safe, natural alternatives. I also started making a lot of my own skincare and cleaning products, which is super easy, affordable and the best way to ensure your products won’t wreak havoc on your hormones.

6. Balance blood sugar

Insulin resistance is another issue many women with PCOS struggle with. Essentially, when your blood sugar (fasting glucose and insulin) levels are too high, you’re at very high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. To combat this, I cut out refined carbs and sugar and focused on healthy fats, fiber and protein.

I also ate at regular intervals (especially first thing in the morning) to bring my fasting insulin levels down. This strategy along worked SO quickly to balance my blood sugar that I could hardly believe it.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it. Six ways to reverse PCOS naturally. Note: My personal recommendations don’t substitute the advice of a qualified medical professional, so I highly suggest you find a holistic doctor you trust who can address your unique concerns and walk you through the process of healing PCOS naturally.

I should also note that there is no “cure” for PCOS. I will always have it. What I can do is manage it. I can reverse the chronic conditions that accompany the hormonal disorder and essentially be in “remission” from the symptoms. But if I don’t treat my body right, PCOS can always flare up again, and this reality is something I’ll have to deal with for the rest of my life.

But I also know that whenever I have a flare-up, I can go back to these six steps and, within weeks, my hormones will be balanced and my symptoms disappear once again.

Kate Kordsmeier is a food journalist turned real food expert after her own chronic health issues (PCOS, hypothyroidism + IBS) catapulted her into a long journey of trying to heal her body naturally. To learn more about her healing journey, check out Root + Revel.

The post How I Reversed PCOS Naturally (No Medications!)  appeared first on Dr. Axe.

In industrialized nations today, synthetic hormonal oral contraception (aka the birth control pill) is the most common practice for preventing pregnancy. Despite evidence suggesting that there are many possible dangers of birth control pills, millions of women choose to take these hormonal medications every year. In fact, 67 percent of all women who report “practicing contraception” currently use non-permanent birth control methods, primarily hormonal methods — which include the pill, patch, implant, injectables and vaginal ring — or IUDs and condoms. (1) About 25 percent of these women rely on taking daily birth control pills, even though most are aware “the pill” affects their entire bodies.

While birth control pills are convenient and indeed effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies — studies claim they work more than 99 percent of the time when taken correctly, and less than one out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they always take the pill each day as directed — many feel that as far as their mental and physical health go, the risks of birth control outweigh the benefits. (2)

It’s been found that dangers of birth control pills can include side effects like cystic acne, anxiety or moodiness, breast tenderness, weight gain, or for some difficulty getting pregnant after stopping the pill. Birth control pills may even cause depression.

If you currently use birth control of any kind (the pill, shots, the patch, etc.), I cannot urge you strongly enough to consider natural birth control alternatives instead. There are many other safer ways to prevent pregnancy, such as using condoms or avoiding sex during certain days of the month, that do not cause the side effects associated with taking birth control pills.

What Is a Birth Control Pill?

The Department of Health and Human Services defines birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptives or just “the pill,” as types of medications taken daily by women in order to prevent unwanted pregnancies. (3) While the majority of women choose to take birth control pills so they don’t risk becoming pregnant accidentally, a small percentage also take them for other reasons, including to regulate or temporarily stop their menstrual cycles or reduce symptoms associated with PMS and/or hormonal imbalances (such as acne, heavy bleeding during menstruation or painful cramps).

As of 2012, in the United States alone around 11 million women report using birth control pills, and the number is more than 100 million women worldwide! The total number of women exposed to any type of “synthetic hormonal contraception” is even higher, since most figures don’t account for women using the “morning-after pill” — a type of high-dose hormonal birth control available in the United States without a prescription since 2000. Surveys show that women most likely to take the pill are white women, women in their teens and 20s, never married and cohabiting women, childless women, and college graduates.

Types

There are dozens of different brands of birth control pills, with most falling into one of two categories: combined pills or progestin-only pills.

Combined birth control pills:

• As the name implies, combine pill birth control medications contain more than one type of female hormone. They’re made with chemical hormones that mimic the effects of estrogen and progestin, which prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation. Ovulation occurs when the ovaries release an egg every month, which can then lead to pregnancy when the egg is fertilized by sperm.
• In addition to preventing ovulation, combine pill formulas cause other changes to a woman’s reproductive system that stops egg fertilization, including thinning the lining of the uterus and thickening cervical mucus.
• Combined pills are taken in a cycle every month, with usually about 21–24 “active days” of taking a pill, followed by about four to seven days off from taking a pill. Menstrual bleeding usually occurs on the days when pills are taken. Even on days when no pill is taken, the woman still won’t become pregnant.
• “Conventional packs” of birth control pills cause bleeding every month, while “extended packs” can result in a woman losing her period the majority of months. Extended packs can contain up to 84 active pills, which means a woman only bleeds about four times per year (or sometimes not at all). (4)
• Combination birth control pills that contain less than 50 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol (a kind of estrogen) are considered “low-dose pills,” which are usually recommended with women who are sensitive to higher dose brands of birth controls.

Progestin-only birth control pills (sometimes called “minipills”):

• These pills contain only progestin (no estrogen). They’re normally recommended for women who can’t take combination pills due to side effects or interactions.
• Minipills don’t usually stop ovulation, but rather cause cervical mucus to thicken and the lining of the uterus to thin.
• There are far less brands of progestin-only pills available, and they tend to cause more breakthrough bleeding.

Side Effects

Birth control pills, patches and shots promote continuously raised estrogen levels in a woman’s body, something that’s neither natural nor very safe. A woman’s natural menstrual cycle is composed of rising and falling levels of estrogen and progesterone throughout the month. Birth control pills work by keeping estrogen at an unnaturally high level all month long — high enough to even fool the body into thinking it’s already pregnant! Since the body perceives high estrogen levels as a sign of pregnancy, it stops ovulating, and therefore when taking the pill another pregnancy cannot occur.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, it’s been found that the effects of continuously raised estrogen levels in the female body due to taking birth control pills may include: (5)

• Potential increased risk of breast cancer
• Potential increased risk of blood clotting, heart attack and stroke. The risk of blood clots is highest for very overweight women taking the pill.
• Headaches or migraines
• Gallbladder or liver problems, including benign tumors
• Increased blood pressure
• Weight gain
• Mood changes, with some women experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety
• Nausea, cramping, irregular bleeding or spotting between periods
• Breast tenderness
• The pill also does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Therefore if not using another form of protection/contraceptive method, it’s possible to get any type of sexually transmitted disease your partner might have.

Birth control pills contain the very same sorts of synthetic hormones as hormone replacement drugs commonly used by menopausal or post-menopause women. Researchers have now gathered evidence regarding significant problems associated with the effects of synthetic hormones that some suggest women should not take them at all. The same can be said for birth control pills: While some doctors and health authorities report that they’re “safe and effective,” others strongly recommend avoiding them whenever possible.

What about women who may be taking birth control pills primarily to alleviate PMS symptoms like painful cramping or irregular periods? It may surprise you that for many women the pill seems to do very little to address these concerns. In some cases taking birth control pills can even compound the existing hormonal problem and cause worsened symptoms — although, to be fair, every woman reacts differently (including to different brands or doses of the same type of pill).

Some women have intolerable estrogen-induced side effects from taking the pill that get worse when adding more synthetic hormones to the situation. As Dr. Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D. explains on her website, cramping or painful and irregular periods are often due to a deficiency of progesterone and an excess of estrogen. So estrogen-containing birth control pills — as are the most commonly prescribed pills on the market now — often compound the problem. Here’s one enlightening quote from Dr. Dean’s website:

“The sex hormone cycle regulates 150 bodily systems all of which are suppressed by hormonal contraceptives and all of which are interrelated to all other body systems (including the endocrine, neurologic and immunologic systems). Therefore hormonal contraceptives impact: energy levels, memory and concentration, motor coordination, adrenalin levels and more …”

Dangers of Birth Control Pills

1. May Contribute to Nutrient Deficiencies

Most people don’t know that in order for the body to metabolize the pill, the liver requires extra amounts of the B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium and zinc. This means that if a woman has been on the pill for years at a time (as many American women are, starting in their 20s or even late teens), she is creating a situation where nutrient deficiency is more likely.

Deficiencies, such as iron deficiency or magnesium deficiency, are some of the primary contributors to most disease (others being factors like diet, genetics, stress and toxicity). If you take the pill, consuming a nutrient-dense, healing diet is key for maintaining gut health and preventing deficiency side effects, like fatigue, indigestion, muscle pains and sleep troubles.

2. May Cause or Worsen Candida

While yeast (candida albicans) generally makes its home in the digestive tract, common lifestyle choices like use of birth control pills, taking antibiotics, a diet high in refined grains and sugar, and high stress levels often lead to a candida overgrowth that infiltrates other parts of the body and leads to candida symptoms.

According to the Healthy Women Organization’s website, yeast overgrowth has been closely linked to estrogen dominance in a woman’s body, which is highly influenced by taking the pill. Women who use hormonal birth control (not just the pill but also a patch or ring) may have more yeast infections than those who don’t. (6)

Toxins from yeast overgrowth can lead to a host of other problems, presenting themselves in a variety of manners far beyond the common vaginal infection. For example, symptoms like migraines, infertility, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, psoriasis, PMS, depression and digestive disorders have all been linked to candida yeast overgrowth. The evidence clearly shows that when you address the yeast overgrowth, the symptoms improve or subside. If you do choose to use birth control pills, try an oral contraceptive that’s a progestin-only pill, since these are linked with occurrence of fewer yeast infections. (7)

3. Often Causes Moodiness (Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression)

Does taking birth control pills cause depression or simply worsen moodiness and existing symptoms? There’s evidence that with estrogen and progesterone levels in the body out of their natural equilibrium due to taking the pill, the brain’s response system is consequently altered, leading many to experience psychological side effects. A proportion of women express concern about low sex drive, lack of appetite, helplessness, disinterest and an overall sad disposition while on birth control pills — yet often their doctors tell them, “It’s all in your head.”

A study conducted in Denmark involving more than 1 million women found a notable increase in depression rates among women taking birth control versus women who were not. Progestin-only pills, the transdermal patch and the vaginal ring were all especially tied to higher ratio of depression diagnoses and antidepressant prescriptions. (8)

To be fair, however, other studies, such as one published in 2012 in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, have not found the same correlation, so there seems to be individual differences in terms of the pill’s psychological effects. (9) Some evidence now suggests that most of the side effects of hormonal contraception may actually be a result of a psychological stress response to the practice of contraception (wanting to prevent pregnancy despite having sex). (10)

4. May Increase Cancer Risk

The National Cancer Institute tells us that the risk of developing breast cancer is around one in eight for the general public. (11) But studies done by doctors, such as Chris Kahlenborn, M.D., from Altoona Hospital in Altoona, Penn., indicate that “women who took oral birth control before having their first child have a 44-percent increased risk of developing breast cancer.” If this is true, that would bring your risk of developing breast cancer to one in five, a staggeringly high risk.

According to the Breast Cancer Organization’s website: (12)

“There are concerns that because birth control pills use hormones to block pregnancy they may overstimulate breast cells, which can increase the risk of breast cancer. The concern is greater if you’re at high risk for breast cancer because of: a strong family history of the disease, past breast biopsies showing abnormal cells, or you or someone in your family has an abnormal breast cancer gene.”

There is lots of ongoing debate about the breast cancer-depression link. For example, one study published in Cancer Research found a higher risk for breast cancer among women taking high-dose estrogen birth control pills. A review of 54 studies in 1996 found that women have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer while they’re taking birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progestin and during the 10 years after they stop taking the pills. And results from the 2010 Nurses’ Health Study found that use slightly increased risk, especially among women taking triphasic pills, which alter doses of hormones over three stages of the monthly cycle.

Why doesn’t your doctor tell you about this? “There’s tremendous vested interested — drug companies with a lot of money, government agencies who give a lot of money for contraception. It doesn’t make people look good when a study like this comes out,” Dr. Kahlenborn said.

5. Increased Risk for Blood Clots (Pulmonary Problems, Embolism and Thrombosis)

The link between estrogen use and developing blood clots in the veins (called venous thromboembolism) was identified more than 20 years ago. Extensive literature has now been published describing how the risk for embolism increases as estrogen dosages increase. (13) When a clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg, it’s called a deep vein thrombosis, and if that clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, it’s called a pulmonary embolism, which is a serious condition (10 percent to 15 percent of cases cause sudden death). (14) Estrogen seems to increase clotting factors in the blood, making clots more likely.

It’s been found that combination hormonal birth control pills that contain the progestin called desogestrel increase the risk of blood clots more than birth control pills that contain other types of progestin. Birth control pills containing drospirenone are some of the most popular types available and include such brand names as Yaz, Yasmin, Beyaz, Ocella and Zarah. (15)

Shortness of breath, chest pain (particularly with deep breathing), coughing up blood, persistent leg pain, or redness, swelling, or warmth in your lower legs are all signs of clots. The risk is highest among women with family histories of clots, those who smoke and those who are obese/sedentary — so if any of these apply to you, carefully discuss options with your doctor.

Natural Birth Control Alternatives

For centuries, couples have prevented unwanted pregnancies naturally without the use of medications. There are many safe and effective contraceptives to consider that are time-honored strategies, now even being researched and backed up by science. Several birth control options that are natural and don’t require taking medication include:

• Male Condoms: With an approximate 98 percent effectiveness rate when used correctly, they’re nearly as effective as the pill.
• Female Condoms: While these are not as familiar to most people, female condoms are 95 percent effective and are less likely to tear than male condoms. A female condom consists of a small pouch that fits inside the vagina before sex, protecting sperm from entering the female’s body where it can fertilize an egg.
• Diaphragms: These must be fitted by a doctor and are 92 percent to 98 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. They’re thin, soft rubber mounted on rings that are inserted into the upper part of the vagina to cover the cervix and act as a barrier to sperm.
• Cervical Cap: This is a heavy rubber cap that fits tightly over the cervix. It must be put into place by a doctor and can be left in place for 48 hours. These have around a 91 percent effectiveness rate.
• Natural Family Planning/Fertility Awareness: This is an all-natural method for allowing women to track their natural cycles, identify times of fertility, treat premenstrual symptoms and evaluate the effects of stress.
• Calendar Method: Abstention from sex during the week in which a woman is ovulating helps prevent conception from taking place. This technique works best when a woman’s menstrual cycle is very regular and accurately timed. The calendar method doesn’t work very well for couples who use it by itself (about a 75 percent success rate), but it can be effective when combined with the temperature and mucus methods described below.
• Temperature Method: This is a way to pinpoint the day of ovulation so sex can be avoided for a few days before and after. It involves taking the basal body temperature (your temperature upon first waking) each morning with an accurate basal thermometer and noting the rise in temperature that occurs after ovulation. While this method won’t work to prevent pregnancy the first month you start using it, once you have tracked your cycle for several months you can pinpoint which days are the most fertile, and avoid sex on those days. Note that factors like illness or lack of sleep can change body temperature and make this method unreliable by itself, but when it’s combined with the mucus method, it can be an accurate way of assessing fertility. The two methods combined can have a success rate as high as 98 percent.
• Mucus Method: This involves tracking changes in the amount and texture of vaginal discharge, which reflect rising levels of estrogen in the body. For the first few days after your period, there is often no discharge, but there will be a cloudy, tacky mucus as estrogen starts to rise. When the discharge starts to increase in volume and becomes clear and stringy, ovulation is near. A return to the tacky, cloudy mucus or no discharge means that ovulation has passed.

Precautions

The side effects and potential dangers of birth control pills described above apply to some women even more so than others. Factors such as your menstrual cycle history, age, overall health/medical history and use of medications may determine that you should definitely avoid all types of birth control pills (even low-dose options). Your doctor is the best person to help you decide if birth control is a risky or poor option for you.

Women who should be very careful about taking oral contraceptives, due to interactions and side effects, include those who are:

• Already pregnant or breastfeeding. If you’re not sure if you’re pregnant or have unexplained bleeding and irregular periods, be sure to get evaluated before taking any hormonal medications.
• Older than age 35
• Smoke cigarettes or use recreational drugs
• Have a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, current deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
• Have a history of breast cancer
• Have diabetes-related complications that affect circulation and the nerves (such as diabetic neuropathy, nephropathy or retinopathy)
• Healing from any major surgery
• Take St. John’s wort, anticonvulsant or anti-tuberculous agents that can interact with birth control pills

Final Thoughts

• Birth control pills are used by more than 100 million women worldwide, however there are dangers associated with birth control pills due to unnaturally altering a woman’s estrogen levels, raising them far too high, which often causes symptoms of estrogen dominance.
• Risks associated with birth control pills can include moodiness or depression, breast tenderness, nutrient deficiencies, and possibly a higher risk for certain types of cancers.
• There are safer, more natural means of preventing pregnancy (or addressing the cause of irregular periods and cramping), including using condoms or diaphragms, the temperature method, or the mucus method.

The post 5 Dangers of Birth Control Pills, Plus Side Effects & Alternatives appeared first on Dr. Axe.

According to endocrinologists from the VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam, two of the most important hormones to focus on for natural weight loss and energy balance are ghrelin and leptin. (1) Many experts call ghrelin and leptin the “hunger hormones” because they work to either increase or decrease our appetite. (2)

Although certain weight loss programs involving taking artificial hormones — such as those that use human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) to increase fat-burning — can be dangerous, there are safe and effective steps we can take to manipulate our natural hunger hormones and help us reach our weight-loss goals.

It might feel like the cards are stacked against you when it comes achieving sustainable weight loss, but it’s important to understand that we have a great deal of control over our hormones, as they reliably respond to dietary, exercise and stress-related changes we make. We don’t need to resort to unnatural, harmful methods to lose weight fast and reach our ideal weight — instead we need to focus on setting up a healthy food environment that encourages nutrient-dense eating, managing stress, moving our bodies consistently and making smart food choices long-term.

What Is Ghrelin?

Ghrelin is an appetite-increasing hormone, given its name because it is considered to be a “growth hormone-releasing peptide” (or GHR). Since ghrelin makes you feel hungry, it makes sense that levels tend to rise before meals and fall after meals. How is ghrelin secreted? It’s made in the stomach and fluctuates throughout the day depending on your intake of food. As a peptide hormone, it’s produced by ghrelinergic cells located in the gastrointestinal tract, which communicate with the central nervous system, especially the brain.

Once produced in the stomach, rising levels of ghrelin sends a signal to the brain that causes you to feel hungrier. Regarded as the only appetite-stimulating hormone in humans, ghrelin is one of the main contributors in giving people the “munchies” and potentially causing them to overeat.

What is ghrelin’s effect on growth hormone and metabolism?

Ghrelin and related growth hormone secretagogues increase body weight and fat mass. One way they do this is by triggering receptors in a part of the brain called the arcuate nucleus, which controls leptin and insulin sensitivity. Ghrelin can sometimes override signals sent from the GI tract to the brain that tells you to stop eating, such as those caused by gastric distension (pressure placed on the stomach as it expands). Ghrelin also seems capable of contributing to cellular changes, including alterations in endothelial cells lining the blood vessels. (3)

According to research published in the journal Addiction Biology, ghrelin reduces fat utilization and is a vital component of the food reward cascade controlled by the brain’s pleasure-reward system. (4) Ghrelin levels are negatively correlated with weight, so dieting (especially severe calorie restriction) tends to increase ghrelin output. Ghrelin has been found to play a major role in inducing short-term feeding and long-term weight gain, but the hormone also has other roles, including influencing: (5)

• Regulation of growth hormone and insulin secretion
• Glucose and lipid metabolism
• Gastrointestinal motility
• Blood pressure and heart rate
• And neurogenesis (the process in which neurons are generated from neural stem cells)

In addition, more ghrelin is released directly in response to stressful situations, explaining why so many people have the tendency to eat when they’re stressed. By perpetuating the stress cycle, ghrelin contributes to weight gain by maintaining a person’s stress levels and causing strong urges to snack or overeat.

Related: What Are Hunger Pangs? Causes and How to Stop Them

What is the difference between leptin and ghrelin?

Ghrelin and leptin work together to facilitate feeding, energy balance and weight management. Leptin is a hormone that is made by fat cells that decreases your appetite. It essentially does the opposite of ghrelin, which increases appetite. Both hormones play a role in body weight maintenance. Within the brain the same area that holds the receptors for ghrelin (called the ghrelin/growth hormone secretagogue receptors, or GHS-Rs) also holds the receptors for leptin.

Because the body produces leptin based on body fat percentage, weight gain causes your blood leptin levels to increase. The opposite is also true: weight loss will result in decreased levels of leptin (and often more hunger). Unfortunately, overweight and obese people are generally believed to be “leptin-resistant,” which contributes to further weight gain and difficulty losing excess weight because they require more food to feel “full” or satiated. However, there is still a lot to learn about how leptin-resistence and increased ghrelin may contribute to obesity. (6)

To summarize ghrelin’s main roles, here are three points to remember:

1. Ghrelin is a fast-acting hormone that plays a vital role in increasing appetite, meal initiation and contributing to weight gain.
2. Ghrelin works with another hormone called leptin to manage body weight. Leptin usually mediates long-term regulation of energy balance because it suppresses appetite and food intake, thereby inducing weight loss (although not in the case of obesity).
3. Both hormones can be controlled naturally, primarily through making smart dietary choices, exercising, sleeping enough and stress management.

Related: Lipase: the Digestive Enzyme that Fights Major Diseases

How to Make Ghrelin, Your Hunger Hormone, Work for You

How can you lower your ghrelin levels? Here are six steps to take in order to reduce ghrelin and gain control of your appetite:

1. Don’t Overly-Restrict Calories (AKA Attempting “Crash Diets”)

Levels of ghrelin will increase if you’re consistently under-eating, which is one reason why dieting makes most people feel pretty hungry. On the other hand, overeating causes ghrelin levels to decrease, but this shouldn’t be the goal either (unless you’re trying to gain weight).

The fact that being in calorie-deficit makes you feel hungrier is one of the most challenging things about attempting to diet for weight loss. Fortunately, however, it’s been found that certain types of dietary habits can help to control ghrelin — including eating lots of nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods and eating enough fiber and protein.

Ghrelin levels should go down significantly following a meal, and stay down for about three hours or more before you begin to start feeling hungry again. If you notice yourself getting hungry soon after eating, or frequently wanting to snack throughout the day, consider if you’re eating enough calories in general. It’s possible you can afford to increase your intake of protein, healthy fats, or fiber from complex (unrefined) carbohydrates if you’re severely restricting one of these macronutrients. Eating enough healthy food to sustain your activity level and feel energized will prevent you from entering or staying in “starvation mode” that will only increase your appetite.

2. Eat Enough Protein

Even when someone is restricting their calorie intake, eating a higher proportion of protein foods can help control their appetite.

A 2006 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that focused on the effects of a high-protein meals on postprandial ghrelin response states that “The most satiating macronutrient appears to be dietary protein.” When study participants ate a high-protein breakfast, they experienced decreased postprandial ghrelin concentrations more strongly over time compared to when they ate a higher-carbohydrate breakfast.

The researchers found evidence that the high-protein meals had an effect on glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptides, which mediated the ghrelin response. In addition, the high-protein meals were more effective at slowing gastric emptying, which prolongs feelings of fullness. (7) Other studies point to similar findings about how protein may contribute to weight loss: protein tends to ward off hunger, prevent loss of muscle mass during dieting, increases secretion of satiety hormones, increases the thermic effect of food digestion and improves glucose homeostasis. (8)

3. Exercise, Especially Burst Training and High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

For years, generic weight-loss advice given by most health care providers focused on low-to-moderate aerobic activity, such as walking or running 30–60 minutes every day. Research from the past decade continues to report that ghrelin increases (and therefore appetite goes up) and also that leptin decreases after these types of exercises, making this notion obsolete.

Instead of doing “steady state cardio,” burst training is one of the best ways to manage hunger and eating behavior to burn belly fat and to manipulate ghrelin and leptin to improve the odds of weight loss. Burst training can also increase muscle mass, which means when you do eat more you’re better able to use the extra calories without gaining fat.

In a study conducted by the University of Bath (U.K.), various hormone levels in individuals who participated in a form of burst training (i.e., 30-second sprint on a cycle ergometer controlling for low or high intensity) showed that:

• Total ghrelin concentrations declined after high-intensity sprinting and were significantly lower after 30 minutes of recovery than they were pre-exercise, suggesting that burst training can not only contribute to weight loss, but help curb appetite long-term. (9)
• Growth hormone (attributed to weight loss) concentrations were greater in the high-intensity than in the low-intensity group, suggesting that burst training affects other hormones in addition to ghrelin. (10)

The Journal of Sports Science recently published similar results regarding burst, high-intensity exercise and blood soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R) concentrations. (11) Findings link low levels of sOB-R to obesity because having less receptors to receive the hormone prevents leptin from attaching to cells, which negates its hunger-curbing and weight-loss effects. After evaluating 18 healthy male volunteers who completed either a low-intensity or high-intensity exercise routine, researchers discovered that:

• At 24 hours post-exercise, the high-intensity group had significantly higher sOB-R concentrations and significantly lower leptin concentrations than the low-intensity group; this suggests that burst training is more effective at not only increasing the cell’s sensitivity to leptin, but also the overall blood levels of the hormone.
• Additionally, leptin levels at 48 hours post-exercise were also significantly lower for the high-intensity group, suggesting that burst training, like ghrelin, has long-term effects on weight loss that are beneficial long after your workout.

These are just two examples from a myriad of research studies that prove high-intensity interval training is not only most effective at curbing appetite and controlling weight gain in the short term, but also in the long run.

4. Get Good Sleep (Early to Bed, Early to Rise, So You Can Work Out!)

Getting enough sleep (usually about 7–9 hours per night for most adults) is associated with better management of ghrelin and leptin. Sleep deprivation was shown in one study involving 12 young men to be associated with an increase in ghrelin levels, appetite and hunger compared to when the men slept for longer periods (up to 10 hours a night). (12)

To best maximize your exercise routine (especially if your workouts are intense), and best control ghrelin and leptin, research shows that it’s a good idea to exercise first thing every morning if possible. According to a study published in the Journal of Physiology, exercising on an empty stomach may improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, which are both tied to ghrelin production. (13)

In addition to contributing to type 2 diabetes prevention and weight loss, exercising early in the day is known to help regulate appetite, especially curbing the munchies and the desire to eat unhealthy snacks. One study published in the Asian Journal of Sports Medicine found evidence that “morning exercise may cause greater levels of satiety in comparison with afternoon exercise.” (14)

5. Practice Stress Management

In addition to making dietary changes and getting enough exercise, it’s important to turn your attention to the level of stress you’re dealing with. The journal Obesity Reviews recently published an article evaluating the effects of combined exercise, sleep and stress management on hormones. Researchers from the study concluded that “Behavioral interventions could offer a practical, cost-effective method for reducing or stabilizing ghrelin levels after initial weight loss to improve weight loss maintenance.” (15)

In other words, the stress cycle must be stopped to first reach your weight-loss goals and then to effectively maintain a healthy weight over time. Chronic stress is likely to increase your appetite, especially for “comfort foods”, and contribute to other unhealthy habits like overeating, snacking, not making time to cook at home, possibly drinking more alcohol, skipping sleep and remaining more sedentary.

One suggestion is to wrap up your day on a positive note by practicing Tai Chi or yoga in the evenings, which helps set the tone for a good night’s sleep and also preps your body for your morning workout the following day. There are many ways to help manage stress, but ultimately different techniques will work for different people. Meditation, prayer, writing in a journal, spending time outdoors, sustaining positive relationships, getting enough rest and downtime, and eating an anti-inflammatory diet are some of the best ways to keep your stress levels down and reverse the vicious weight-gain stress cycle.

6. Avoid “Highly Palatable” Processed Foods

Foods that have been refined and processed to taste exceptionally great are usually high in calories and also often low in nutrients. These are called “highly palatable” foods by obesity and nutrition experts (or sometimes “ultra-processed foods and drinks”, or UPFDs), because they tend to cause overeating due to how they activate reward centers in the brain. (16)

Normally when we eat a meal chemical/hormonal messages are sent from our digestive tract to our brain and various other parts of our body to tell us we’ve had enough and stop eating. But research suggests that when we have the opportunity to eat highly-processed, calorie-dense foods, this feedback system doesn’t work so well. Essentially it seems that the human brain is “hard-wired” to seek out and enjoy calorie-dense foods, so including many of them in your diet interferes with appetite regulation.

What types of foods tend to increase appetite and risk for overeating the most? Examples include: (17)

• Cakes, donuts, cookies, pastries, brownies and other sweets
• Soda and sweetened beverages
• Pizza
• White bread, rolls, wraps, pita, etc.
• Chocolate, candy and ice cream
• Salty snacks like chips, pretzels and French fries
• And fried foods

It’s easy for us to overcome calories and remain “hungry” when we eat foods high in refined grains, added sugar, added fat and synthetic ingredients, especially when these tempting attributes are combined together. Eating a whole-foods diet on the other hand — including one with lots of veggies, fruit, proteins like eggs or fish, healthy fats like avocado or coconut, etc. — is the best way to naturally regulate your appetite since these foods are high in volume, high in fiber, lower in calories, higher in nutrients, and overall make you more capable of turning down your desire to keep eating.

Related: IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros) Guide to Lose Weight

Precautions Regarding Hunger Hormones & Weight Loss

While I do recommend taking steps to naturally balance levels of ghrelin or leptin, I’d warn against attempting other weight loss programs that involve the use of artificial hormones.

Manipulating hormones in order to boost weight loss is not a new concept. In the 1950s, medical and scientific communities began suggesting artificial hormone therapy to help people lose weight. Topping the list of these weight loss programs is one of the most controversial and hotly debated gimmicks: the use of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy that helps release a woman’s fat stores in order to support the growth of her baby.

HCG stimulates the hypothalamus to start fat metabolism, which provides nutrients for the baby. Remove the baby from the equation and those fat-turned-nutrients need somewhere to go. The HCG diet supposedly helps men and women achieve “miraculous” weight loss through a combination of taking HCG and following a diet restricted to just 500–800 calories per day. Basically, this is a starvation diet. The theory behind this misguided use of hormone therapy is that the extra adipose tissue (fat) released in the bloodstream supplements the calories people aren’t consuming each day, helping dieters lose up to two pounds per day. Sadly, ever since Dr. Oz openly changed his mind about HCG and aired a special report on it in 2012, more people are on the diet than ever before.

According to the Mayo Clinic, two important facts are crucial to understanding this type of hormone therapy for weight loss:

1. The HCG diet is not safe and doesn’t work long-term, as most people will regain the initial weight that they lose.
2. The Food and Drug Administration has actually advised people “to steer clear from over-the-counter weight-loss products that contain HCG.” (18)

Final Thoughts on Ghrelin

• Ghrelin is an appetite-increasing hormone that makes you feel hungry before meals, but decreases after meals so you feel more satisfied.
• Ghrelin works with another hormone called leptin to manage hunger, food intake and body weight. Ghrelin increases hunger, while leptin (secreted by fat cells) decreases hunger.
• Both hormones can be controlled naturally, primarily through making smart dietary choices, exercising, sleeping enough and managing stress.

The post Ghrelin: How to Control This ‘Hunger Hormone’ in Order to Lose Fat appeared first on Dr. Axe.

If you or a loved one is struggling with hypogonadism, you may already know that it can be a devastating condition that reduces your quality of life and livelihood. People with hypogonadism can experience muscle loss, low libido, infertility and depressed mood. In fact, these symptoms can make talking about hypogonadism difficult. (1)

Thankfully, research shows that there are ways to balance your hormones, either using hormone replacement therapy, which is the conventional form of treatment for this condition, or natural estrogen and testosterone boosters like exercise, dietary and lifestyle changes, adaptogen herbs and essential oils. But if you’ve been struggling with the symptoms of hypogonadism, rest assured that there are natural remedies to help support your treatment and improve your quality of life.

 What Is Hypogonadism?

Hypogonadism is a condition that occurs when the body’s sex glands, the testes for males and ovaries for females, produce little or no hormones. For males with hypogonadism, low testosterone can affect the development and maintenance of male reproductive organs, including the testes, penis and prostate. In fact, low testosterone levels can lead to issues like reduced muscle strength, hair loss and impotence.

For females, hypogonadism occurs when the ovaries aren’t producing enough estrogen. Estrogen is responsible for maintaining sex organs like the uterus, vagina, fallopian tubes and mammary glands. But low or little estrogen in the body can lead to infertility, loss of libido, mood swings, loss of menstruation and osteoporosis. (2)

There are two types of hypogonadism, primary or central, or secondary. The definition of these types of hypogonadism depends on the cause of the condition.

Primary hypogonadism: Primary hypothyroidism occurs when there’s a problem in a person’s testes or ovaries, which are the gonads. The gonads are receiving messages from the brain to produce hormones, but they aren’t functioning properly.

Signs & Symptoms

The symptoms of hypogonadism vary depending on the patient’s age, sex and type of condition.

• decreased sex drive
• loss of menstruation
• loss of body hair
• hot flashes
• infertility
• vaginal dryness
• osteoporosis
• fatigue
• depressed mood
• mood changes and irritability
• headaches

If a young girl has hypogonadism, she may not menstruate. Plus the condition can affect her height and breast development.

• muscle loss and weakness
• decreased body or facial hair
• decreased sex drive
• erectile dysfunction
• infertility
• breast enlargement (called gynecomastia)
• osteoporosis
• fatigue
• depressed mood
• headaches

Boys with low testosterone may have growth problems, with a delay in muscle growth and beard development, impaired testicle and penis growth, and enlarged male breasts. Also, low testosterone levels may result in failure of normal pubertal progression.

Causes & Risk Factors

The cause of hypogonadism depends on the type of condition, either primary or central.

Primary hypogonadism can be caused by any of the following health conditions or factors (5):

• certain autoimmune disorders
• chromosomal abnormalities
• genetic disorders, such as Turner syndrome in women and Klinefelter syndrome in men
• liver and kidney disease
• an infection
• surgery on the sex organs
• radiation or chemotherapy
• injury to the gonads
• undescended testes, which occurs when the testicles don’t move down into the scrotum after birth

• nutritional deficiencies
• pituitary disorders
• inflammatory diseases, like tuberculosis and sarcoidosis
• Kallmann syndrome, which affects the hypothalamus
• certain medications, like opiates and glucocorticoids
• infections, like HIV/AIDS
• anorexia nervosa
• injury to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland
• surgery, such as the removal of a brain tumor
• radiation or chemotherapy
• a tumor in or around the pituitary gland
• rapid weight loss
• obesity
• normal decline of hormones with age

Androgen deficiency of the aging male (known as ADAM) is a cause of secondary hypogonadism. ADAM occurs when a man’s testosterone levels decline progressively after age 40, leading to sexual dysfunction and altered body composition, cognition and metabolism. (6) In fact, research published by the International Journal of Clinical Practice indicates that older men are more likely to have low testosterone levels, with the prevalence being 34 percent in men between the ages of 45 and 54, and 50 percent in men over 85 years. (7)

According to research published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice, hypogonadism is significantly associated with various health issues, including Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity, osteoporosis and metabolic syndrome. (8)

Conventional Treatments

Treatment for hypogonadism depends on the cause of the condition. But the most common form of treatment is hormone replacement therapy, which is used to restore hormone levels to the normal range.

6 Natural Ways to Support Hypogonadism Treatment

1. Reduce Stress

A study conducted at the University of Massachusetts Medical School investigated the association between testosterone levels and stress. Researchers measured the stress levels of participants by taking into account daily hassles, major life events and perceived stress. They found that testosterone levels were significantly associated with stress in both males and females. This study suggests that testosterone levels are reflective of a person’s ability to respond to stressors and his or her emotional coping mechanisms. (14)

To support your treatment for hypogonadism, practice some simple stress relievers, like spending time outdoors, meditating, exercising, being social and keeping a journal. Pursuing some form of therapeutic practice, like cognitive behavioral therapy, may also be beneficial because it helps you to better react to stressful situations. Plus, vocalizing your fears and emotions about coping with hypogonadism can be extremely helpful.

2. Address your Weight and Diet

Being overweight and being underweight can both contribute to low sex hormone levels. For the majority of people, before they can maintain a normal body weight to help regulate their hormone levels, they need to change the way they eat. This may be the most important natural remedy to help treat hypogonadism. (15)

In fact, a 2014 study published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation found that low testosterone and diet-induced obesity can contribute to impairments in neural health, increasing the risk of serious disorders like type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. (16) There’s also a childhood obesity epidemic that is causing serious health issues among children, including problems with growth and development.

So if you have low testosterone and you’re struggling with weight loss, now is the time to make some serious changes to your diet in order to get well.

First, cut out all of the junk food, the processed, packaged and fast food, the refined carbohydrates and the artificial sweeteners. Focus on eating whole, real foods, including the following:

• healthy fats, like coconut oil, olive oil, fermented dairy products, avocados, almonds, walnuts, chia seeds and flax seeds
• organic protein, like wild-caught salmon, organic chicken and grass-fed beef
• fresh fruits and vegetables, like berries, leafy greens, broccoli, celery, carrots and artichokes
• high-fiber foods, like figs, squash, nuts, seeds, beans and legumes

If you are having trouble staying on track with your diet and eating healthy, consider working with a health coach who can serve as a mentor and help you to reach your weight and health-related goals.

3. Exercise Regularly

There’s plenty of research that proves exercise can regulate or boost low testosterone levels. In fact, one study published in the Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology found that even short-term exercise produces an elevation in serum testosterone levels in adults. (17)

Some of the best forms of exercise to boost testosterone and human growth hormone levels are weight training and high intensity interval training (HIIT workouts). Research shows that even moderate and light weightlifting can increase serum testosterone levels when compared to not doing any exercise at all. (18)

Try lifting weights for at least 30 minutes, three times a week. Doing this in combination with burst training can be even more beneficial in helping to elevate your testosterone levels. Burst training means that you are exercising at 90–100 percent of your maximum effort for short, bursts of time (about 30 to 60 seconds), followed by a period of low impact exercise for recovery.

Exercise can also be helpful for women with hypogonadism because it helps to reduce stress and helps you to get to a normal weight. Weighing too little or being overweight are both factors that may cause low estrogen levels. Low-impact exercises like yoga and pilates can be very beneficial in helping to relieve symptoms and reduce some causes of hypogonadism.

4. Supplement with L-arginine

L-arginine is a type of amino acid that we obtain from our diets. It has multiple benefits, including its ability to stimulate the production of growth hormones, correct impotence, and improve erectile dysfunction and male infertility. A study published in The Journal of Endocrinology found that dietary arginine is actually required for the anabolic action of androgens, like testosterone. (19)

Research also shows that L-arginine ingestion enhances growth hormone response, increasing resting human growth hormone (HGH) levels by at least 100 percent. This is beneficial for men with hypogonadism because HGH is a natural testosterone booster. (20)

The best way to help your body make and use more L-arginine is by eating a diet based on whole, real foods, including organic grass-fed beef, wild-caught salmon, cage-free eggs, cultured yogurt, nuts and seeds, sea vegetables and coconut meat.

To supplement with L-arginine in order to improve hypogonadism symptoms, I recommend you take 3–6 grams per day, divided into two doses.

5. Try Ashwagandha

According to research published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, ashwagandha has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac that can treat male sexual dysfunction and infertility. Researchers involved in a pilot study found that patients with a low sperm count who were using ashwagandha had a 167 percent increase in sperm count, 53 percent increase in sperm volume and 57 percent increase in sperm motility. The ashwagandha group also showed improved serum hormone levels compared to the placebo group. (21)

To use ashwagandha to boost your libido, improve your hormone levels, increase your endurance and improve your mood, I recommend supplementing with 500 milligrams, one to two times daily. But do this in combination with eating a diet filled with healthy fats, fiber and clean protein.

6. Use Essential Oils

Two essential oils that can help to regulate hormone levels and improve hypogonadism symptoms are clary sage and sandalwood.

Clary sage contains natural phytoestrogens, so it helps to balance estrogen levels. According to a 2017 study published in Neuro Endocrinology Letters, clary sage can be used to alleviate menopausal symptoms caused by declining levels of estrogen secretion. In fact, researchers found that some essential oils, including clary sage, were able to increase estrogen concentration. (22) To use clary sage oil to support your hypogonadism treatment, combine 5 drops with a ½ teaspoon of coconut oil and massage the mixture into your abdomen, wrists and bottoms of your feet.

Sandalwood essential oil can be used to relieve hypogonadism symptoms, like low sex drive, moodiness, stress and cognitive issues. A 2015 study conducted at South Dakota State University shows that sandalwood also has anticancer mechanisms because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers found that sandalwood has anticancer effects against both breast and prostate cancer. (23) You can diffuse 5 drops of sandalwood at home, inhale it directly from the bottle or apply 2–3 drops to the bottoms of your feet.

Precautions

Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy. There are studies supporting the benefits of hormone replacement therapy, and evidence opposing its use for hypogonadism.

Use the natural remedies discussed in this article to support your treatment for hypogonadism or to naturally boost your low estrogen or testosterone levels. However, make sure that you discuss any supplements that you choose to take with your doctor.

Final Thoughts on Hypogonadism

• Hypogonadism is a condition that occurs when the body’s sex glands — the testes for men and ovaries for women — produce little or no hormones.
• There are two types of hypogonadism, primary and central (also known as secondary). The definition of these types of hypogonadism depends on the cause of the condition.
• Primary hypothyroidism occurs when there’s a problem in a person’s testes or ovaries, which are the gonads.
• In central, or secondary hypogonadism, it’s the centers in the brain that aren’t working properly.
• Generally, the symptoms of hypogonadism include low libido, loss of body hair, infertility, osteoporosis, fatigue and mood changes.
• Hypogonadism is caused by a number of factors, such as an infection, nutritional deficiencies, pituitary disorders, inflammatory diseases, eating disorders, brain injury, trauma and chemotherapy.
• The most common conventional treatment is hormone replacement therapy. There are also ways to support your treatment naturally with dietary and lifestyle changes, exercise, L-arginine and ashwagandha supplements and essential oils.

Read Next: Yohimbe Bark Benefits for Erectile Dysfunction & More

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The post Hypogonadism Causes + 6 Ways to Help Balance Hormone Levels appeared first on Dr. Axe.

I’m going to ask you to do something painful right now: think back to hitting puberty. Ouch. This is often an awkward time to look back on, as you recall adjusting to the changes in your body, developing an interest in dating and comparing yourself to friends.

For most of us, the onset of puberty happened around middle school age. But what if these changes began happening when you were just in second or first grade — or even kindergarten? What would it be like to have a talk about sex and hormones while you’re still attending playing dress-up or start growing facial hair while playing with toy cars?

Unfortunately, that’s no longer a hypothetical situation. Across the country, girls and boys alike are going through precocious puberty, and it means a whole lot more than upgrading from a training bra earlier than the previous generation. From a higher chance of being clinically depressed to an increased risk of certain types of cancers, precocious puberty is taking a toll on our nation’s youth.

Everyone Goes Through Puberty — What’s the Big Deal?

“Precocious” isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, it’s used mostly to positively describe children who are unusually mature in their mental development. When it comes to puberty, however, the word signifies premature physical development. What’s wrong with developing a little earlier? To answer that, we’re going to backtrack a bit.

Most of us are familiar with the physical signs of puberty, like hair growing in different places, menstruation in girls and voice changes in boys. But there’s a lot going on inside the body during puberty, too. (1) Puberty actually begins when the brain, in an area known as the hypothalamus, begins releasing gonadotropin-releasing hormone, or GnRH. The hormone then travels to the pituitary gland. This small gland below the brain actually produces hormones that control other glands in the body. The pituitary gland then releases two other puberty hormones, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). All these hormones traveling around the body brings about puberty, and what happens next depends on gender.

In boys, hormones travel to the testes, alerting the body that it’s time to begin producing sperm and testosterone. Boys, who have been able to have an erection since infancy, can now ejaculate.

In girls, the hormones travel to the ovaries and signal that it’s time to start maturing and producing eggs. The hormones also begin producing estrogen, which leads to a girl’s body developing into a more “woman-like” figure as her body prepares for pregnancy. The main event for girls during this time is the start of menarche, or her first period, and irregular periods in the beginning. She’s now able to become pregnant.

As you likely remember, there are also quite a few emotional changes that occur during this transitioning time. Mood swings, anxiety about bodies, sexual feelings and exploration and other “teen emotions” become prevalent during this time.

At the beginning of the 20^th century, the first menstruation cycle for girls happened around ages 16 and 17. Today, the average age is younger than 13 years old. (2) But for many girls — and scientists aren’t quite sure why it seems to affect mainly girls and not boys — precocious puberty is happening at an even younger age.

What Happens When Early Puberty Hits?

When girls experience precocious puberty, their bodies are essentially becoming sexual beings at a seriously young age. This juxtaposition of being a “young woman” while still in childhood can have serious emotional repercussions. Girls who undergo puberty earlier than their peers are found to already have higher levels of depression symptoms at age 10. (3) Another study found that precocious puberty in girls raises the risk of depression for those females who have pre-existing vulnerability to the condition and that, for those who don’t, depressive symptoms might emerge. (4)

There are also the social changes that emerge. The flood of hormones coursing through a girl’s body during hormones makes her especially attentive to what others think and responsive to social pressures and rewards.

As this Newsweek article explains, during puberty, dopamine takes center stage. This neurotransmitter is responsible for experiencing pleasure, and it comes out in full force at this time. It basically remodels the pathway between the part of the brain that regulates behavior (and alerts you know that something is a bad idea) and the brain’s reward center. (5)

“The adolescent brain is one where the accelerator is pressed to the floor before there’s a good braking system in place. This gap between when the brain is easily aroused and when the braking is in place creates a period of vulnerability.”

When puberty occurs at a younger age, often girls — and their parents — aren’t prepared for the changes. In fact, although a girl’s body might be packed with hormones, her mental age is tied to her chronological age. An 8-year-old girl likely has even less control of what she does than a 13-year-old going through the same changes. That means the 8-year-old is quite likely to engage in riskier behavior as she seeks acceptance and gets attention from people who think she’s older than she is because of her body.

Unfortunately, the evidence isn’t just anecdotal, but proven by research. Girls who’ve gone through puberty by 5^th grade are more likely to be smoking by 9^th grade. As the study notes, “boys and girls who mature earlier than their peers have developed physically before their social resources have fully developed, leaving them ill-equipped to deal with challenges that may arise when entering physical maturity.” (6)

Additionally, young people who believe they’re more advanced in puberty than their peers at age 11 — probably because of how they look physically — are more likely to have recently smoked cigarettes, drank alcohol or smoked marijuana than peers who believe they’re on time or late in puberty. (7)

Women who experienced precocious puberty are also at a higher risk for a variety of diseases in adulthood, ranging from type 2 diabetes to cardiovascular diseases. (8) In fact, one study found that early puberty was associated with 48 health conditions later in life, including irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis and psoriasis. (9)

And then there’s the increased cancer risk. One researcher found that early puberty and an earlier first menarche in girls raised her risk of breast cancer by up to 30 percent. (10) Conversely, for each year that a girl’s first period was delayed, her risk of premenopausal breast cancer was reduced by 9 percent, while her risk of post-menopausal breast cancer was reduced by 4 percent.

Estrogen can also play a role in this risk of breast and reproductive cancers. Girls who hit puberty early are producing estrogen for a longer period of time than their peers, sometimes by several years. This prolonged exposure to the hormone could have health repercussions decades later.

What’s Causing Precocious Puberty?

Why exactly are girls going through precocious puberty? One of the major factors is endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. So when the brain recognizes that there’s already “estrogen” in the bloodstream, it kicks puberty into gear. The most common of these disruptors are found in phthalates and BPA. (11)

Phthalates are man-made chemicals used to make plastic more flexible. And they are everywhere. Think: toys, shower curtains, vinyl flooring, shampoo, detergent, food packaging. Because our bodies can’t metabolize phthalates, and so these chemicals end up messing with our endocrine systems. Think: earlier menarche and growth spurts. (12) Additionally, this chemical can also cause weight gain and indirectly lead to precocious puberty, as obesity is another risk factor.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is another widely used chemical found in cups, water bottles, food storage containers and food cans. You might have seen that some reusable food container brands have labels that say “BPA-free.” That’s because toxic BPA was found to “leak” from inside containers into food and drinks, particularly when being heated or washed.

The age of exposure to these chemicals, in addition to how long the exposure lasts, plays a role in early puberty. (13) Unfortunately, because endocrine disruptors are ubiquitous in our society, it’s difficult not only to gauge how much exposure someone has had, but how to avoid them completely.

How do I limit exposure to endocrine disruptors and reduce the risk of precocious puberty?

While this is a lot of overwhelming information, there are steps you can take to decrease the risk of precocious puberty. If you’re thinking of having a child or are currently pregnant, consider breastfeeding if you can. (14) Though investigators aren’t quite sure why, it seems that girls who were mostly fed with breast milk show a later onset of puberty.

There are also a variety of ways you can minimize your child — and your own! — exposure to endocrine disruptors.

•  Focus on eating whole, fresh foods, as processed foods and meats are pumped with chemicals.
• When possible, choose organic produce to reduce ingestion of chemicals.
• Avoid storing food or using containers with BPA in them; glass is your friend.
• Use glass to reheat food. Never reheat in plastic containers, BPA-free or not, as chemicals can still be released.
• Minimize the use of canned foods, since BPA can seep through them. Opt for glass instead.
• Limit exposure to phthalates by avoiding purchasing products with recycling #3 or “PVC” on them.
• Don’t forget to check the ingredients list of your beauty products, too! Choose all-natural products where possible, including female hygiene products.
• Can’t go totally all-natural? Try avoiding artificial fragrances instead and opt for unscented. Phthalates are often to use to give products like detergents, fabric softeners and beauty product their smell.
• Use fabric shower curtains.

Read Next: Nomophobia — 5 Steps to Ending Your Smartphone Addiction

The post The Disturbing Rise of Precocious Puberty & Why It’s Happening appeared first on Dr. Axe.

You may have heard a lot about the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals, but what are endorphins, exactly? These natural peptide chemicals produced in your body interact with receptors in your brain to help you feel focused, less impacted by pain and put you in a better mood. In fact, endorphins have a lot in common with prescription anti-anxiety drugs and opiate painkillers. While it might seem scary to know that endorphins work in a similar way to mood-controlling drugs like morphine, rest assure they provide the benefits without all the risks. Mind-altering substances commonly cause side effects, including mood swings, fatigue, brain fog and even addiction — but there’s really no downside to releasing more natural endorphins in order to feel better.

We regularly release opiate chemicals (“endorphins'”) in response to sources of pain or stress. The pleasure we get from these neurochemicals — which have similar effects to hormones such as dopamine and serotonin — are both legal and good for you long-term. Endorphins work with your body’s design, not against it, and wind up benefitting your mind-body connection in ways you probably don’t even realize.

What are some natural endorphin-boosting things you can do to reach a healthier mental state, without the risky side effects of drugs? As you’ll learn, these include habits like exercising in appropriate amounts, eating right and using other stress-relievers, including community connection or meditation.

What Are Endorphins

Endorphins are the popular term for chemical substances known as “opiate peptides.” Which neurochemicals qualify as “endorphins,” and what do endorphins do exactly?

Endorphins include enkephalins and dynorphins, substances associated with feelings of pleasure, sexuality/sensually, euphoria and pain relief. Essentially, endorphins promote a sort of “bliss,” providing a sense of well-being. Low levels of endorphins are associated with the opposite effects: physical and emotional pain (including chronic pain linked to disorders like fibromyalgia), addiction and higher incidence of risk-taking behaviors.

When most people talk about endorphins, they’re also referring to other neurotransmitters besides opiate peptides, including dopamine and serotonin.

Here’s a quick overview of how endorphins are released:

Medically speaking, we refer to chemical messengers of the mind that cause emotions as neurotransmitters. Endorphins are manufactured by the central nervous system (your brain, spinal cord and nerves that connect to many other parts of your body). (1) Through the production of certain neurotransmitters, the pituitary gland in your brain gets the signal to release particular endorphins depending on the situation, which then bind to neuron receptors. There’s also evidence that the immune system releases certain endorphins based on rising levels of inflammation, which is a mechanism useful for dulling pain. (2)

There are many different neurotransmitters that play a role in releasing endorphins, and they’re mostly made from nutrients we get from our diet — including amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), vitamins, fatty acids and minerals. This is why a healthy diet, especially when coupled with mood-boosting supplements, is key for sustaining a happier state of mind, focus, energy and other positive moods.

Certain endorphins act as natural analgesics, meaning they diminish your perception of pain. Others are natural sedatives, allowing you to feel relaxed enough to become drowsy and sleepy at certain points in the day. And neurotransmitters, including dopamine and serotonin, keep you feeling motivated to accomplish tasks, connected to others and calmer in the face of stress or adversity.

Related: Top 6 Natural Ways for How to Improve Memory

Dopamine vs. Serotonin: Their Effects & Key Differences

Your endocrine (hormonal) system functions at a slower pace than your nervous system, but the two must work together to maintain internal balance and happiness. There are actually hundreds of different chemicals in the brain we call neurotransmitters or endorphins. These cause positive feelings, but the two that are probably the most well-known are dopamine and serotonin.

The combination of dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin and opiate endorphins are often called “the quartet.” Together, they’re responsible for most of our perception of “happiness”. (3) Let’s take a look at how these chemicals function and play off one another:

• Serotonin. Serotonin is often called the “happy hormone” because it improves your mood and helps beat depression.  We need healthy levels of serotonin for mood stabilization, getting good sleep, dreaming and visualization. It also influences many physiological functions you probably wouldn’t expect, such as blood pressure levels, digestion and regulation of body temperature. Adequate levels of serotonin provide emotional and social stability, while low levels of serotonin are associated with various mental disturbances including: depression, anxiety, PMS,  sugar/carbohydrate cravings, trouble sleeping, obsessive thinking and addiction to alcohol or drugs.

• Dopamine. (It’s closely related to the hormone noradrenalin, also called norepinephrine). Dopamine is considered one of the strongest “feel-good hormones” (neurotransmitters) that makes you feel energized, motivated and in control. Both dopamine and noradrenaline are associated with pleasure, motivation, alertness, concentration and euphoria. They are raised by sources of stress, but this doesn’t always mean “bad stress.” Noradrenaline levels tend to be higher in “positive stress” states like sex, being in love, during exercise or doing other fun things like dancing, laughing and listening to music. Low levels of dopamine/norepinephrine is associated with: depression, lack of concentration (brain fog), poor motivation and difficulty initiating and/or completing tasks.

There are other important neurochemicals to familiarize yourself with, too, including:

• GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid): relaxing and calming after experiencing stress, since it has a dampening effect on the central nervous system
• Catecholamines: energizers or natural stimulants
• Adrenaline (also called epinephrine): strong motivator, stimulating you to deal with and overcome stress
• Acetylcholine: improves memory and mental alertness
• Tryptamines: help with forming bonds and connection
• Melatonin: helps to keep you in tune with the cycles of nature and day/night
• DMT (dimethyltryptamine): useful for staying optimistic and seeing “the big picture” when stressed

Related: How to Hack Brain Chemicals to Boost Happiness

7 Benefits of Endorphins 

1. May Help You Overcome Addictions

The release of endorphins can be helpful for allowing you to escape addictions, including some that you may not even realize you have — such as overeating/binge-eating or other “normal” sources of overconsumption (like dependence on social media). When endorphins or other neurochemical levels drop, you’re more likely to look for unhealthy sources of comfort or reward, including drugs and alcohol. This is why healthy habits like exercise can be powerful for dealing with addiction, depression and boosting recovery.

2. Offer Relief from Stress, Depression or Anxiety

As you’ve learned, serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins all have powerful mood-boosting abilities. Several popular antidepressant drugs (such as Prozac or Zoloft) are called “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors,” or SSRIs. They work to decrease symptoms of depression by blocking neurons’ reuptake of serotonin, leaving more available and circulating in the bloodstream. This helps elevate your mood, although artificially. The same serotonin and endorphin perks, although usually to a lesser degree, can be felt from increasing levels naturally through things like your diet, hobbies and sleep (see below).

3. Protect Your Heart

Something that might surprise you about the “cuddle hormone” oxytocin is that it seems to improve immune function and even protects your heart from stress. (4) Consider this another reason to get a massage or hug someone for your health.

4. Make You Feel Sleepy, but Also Fight Fatigue

Endorphins, and especially serotonin, affect your overall moods, level of sleepiness and pain tolerance — all important parts of regulating your internal “clock” called the circadian rhythm. Your circadian rhythm helps you to intuitively know the cycles of day/wake versus night/sleep. This helps you wake up refreshed but feel drowsy before bed and during the night. Melatonin, dopamine and other chemicals, such as adrenaline, also affect your sleep cycle and send your brain a signal when it’s either time to wind down or rise and shine.

5. Keep Your Brain Sharp

Certain endorphins are highly beneficial for cognition, as well as fueling creativity and inspiration. We can thank the release of endorphins and neurochemicals like dopamine for allowing us to stay motivated and intrigued enough to produce great works of art, music and writing, to create scientific formulations and even to experience spiritual breakthroughs.

6. Help You Deal with Pain

Beta-endorphins are a type of neuropeptides involved in pain management, possessing morphine-like effects, according to a report published in Hawaii Medical Journal. (5)

The neuron receptors that endorphins bind to help decrease the perception of pain just like some prescriptions. In fact, certain pain-killing drugs act on the same binding sites that endorphins do. In low doses, the opiates morphine and codeine are actually found in normal cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. However when their levels are dramatically increased, they cause strong pain-killing effects. In normal circumstances without opiates circulating in your system, endorphins take on the role of controlling pain enough to help you carry on when injured or ill.

7. Help You Feel Connected to Others

Considering humans are a highly-social species, it’s not surprising we feel a natural “high”— thanks to the release of neurochemicals like oxytocin — when we experience a sense of unity with those around us, a deep connection with community or family and a shared sense of life’s purpose. Oxytocin is released during highly emotional moments like childbirth, when you’re in love and also during orgasms. (6) It helps increase fidelity and monogamy in relationships, motivates us to strengthen personal connections, helps us stay honest and facilitates compassion/empathy towards others.

Related: The Surprising Benefits of Swimming in Cold Water (+ How to Stay Safe)

7 Natural Ways to Increase Endorphins & Feel-Good Chemicals

The amazing thing about the human brain and body is that we are all capable of producing our own “natural highs,” without even taking illegal or prescription substances for help. Positive moods also thankfully work in a cyclical pattern: when we release endorphins following behaviors like exercise or time spent with others, we are motivated to repeat these behaviors again in the future. When we ask ourselves, “What are endorphins,” it’s important to also understand how to naturally boost endorphin levels.

1. Exercise Regularly

A large body of research shows that people who exercise regularly have added protection against depression, tend to deal with anxiety better and also get better sleep. (7) Exercise is one of the most endorphin-boosting things we can do, offering numerous benefits for both our bodies and minds (hence the name “runner’s high”). Studies show exercise even works similarly to meditation to increase well-being. Some of the ways that exercise releases endorphins and therefore improves your mood include: (8)

• Increasing self-esteem; we feel good about taking care of our own health
• Giving you a sense of accomplishment and mastery as you progress (due to dopamine)
• Increasing energy levels and helping you sleep more soundly (thanks to adrenaline and serotonin)
• Keeping you motivated to keep trying and improving in the future (due to dopamine)
• Leaving you with a more optimistic, positive and energized outlook on life

2.  Eat A Healthy Diet

Because your diet is key for creating neurotransmitters, you can view certain healthy foods as near-perfect “brain foods.” Nutrient-dense foods can improve how you feel and think, plus balance your blood sugar, which acts as brain and body fuel. Stabilizing your mood with a healthy diet can also allow you to break your dependency on processed food substances that interfere with normal brain chemistry and deplete your energy over time. Here’s how to increase the release of endorphins such as serotonin through your dietary choices:

• Consume enough protein. Serotonin is made primarily through intake of tryptophan-rich foods, such as turkey or milk. Almost all protein sources will help release serotonin, including meat, fish, chicken, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs, which are complete proteins.
• Don’t skip plant foods. You can also combine a number of different plant foods, such as beans with sprouted grains, to get the same effects. In general, whole foods like seeds, nuts, beans, lentils, peas, corn or the germ of grains, such as buckwheat and oats, are all good plant sources of amino acids that help increase serotonin. Even some veggies, such as broccoli, spinach or cauliflower, are relatively rich in protein.
• Consume more antioxidant foods. Free radicals are the major cause of the aging process and also contribute to mental illness, since they attack brain cells and contribute to inflammation. Increase your intake of antioxidant foods by eating colorful plants like leafy greens, sweet potato, squash, citrus, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, plums, broccoli and alfalfa sprouts.
• Eat healthy fats. Fats comprise 60 percent of the brain. Essential fatty acids produce hormones called eicosanoids, which are necessary for many chemical processes within the body. They stimulate the immune system, fight inflammation and support the activity of neurotransmitters, including serotonin. Get healthy fats from coconut or olive oil, wild-caught fish like Alaskan salmon, nuts, seeds and avocado.
• Avoid high consumption of alcohol and caffeine. Using and abusing these substances can lead the body to compensate by building a tolerance due to down-regulation. This makes it harder to quit, requires you to increase your intake to feel the same mood-boost, and causes side effects of “withdrawal” in some cases.

3.  Laugh More!

Laughter is basically a quick-fix for feeling almost instantly better, thanks to the release of endorphins. Studies have even linked laughter with an elevated pain threshold. (9) Try regularly doing something to keep your sense of humor, such as playing with children, watching something funny, recalling a funny moment, sharing jokes, or attending live comedy events.

4. Connect with Others (This Includes Touch, Volunteering & Finding Purpose)

Connection — through means like being touched when receiving a massage or a hug, volunteering to help others or just having a deep conversation with someone you trust — all releases oxytocin and other chemicals that help you feel calm and comforted. Acupuncture and other hands-on treatments also seem to have similar effects according to some studies. (10) Make time to foster healthy relationships, reach out to others in need, find a sense of purpose and notice how good you feel when you do something nice for someone else.

5. Learn Something New

Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter involved in stimulus-reward-learning, so it can help us learn positive behaviors and stay motivated when used to our advantage. (11) Of course, the opposite is also true: a dopamine release is also triggered when we engage in a harmful habit (such as overeating junky food). This steers us in the direction of wanting to repeat these behaviors again.

Use dopamine’s reinforcing abilities to your benefit by learning something new, experiencing something novel, such as new location when traveling or making progress in a hobby or at work. These can all release feel good neurochemicals, making you want to repeat them. Challenge yourself regularly by finding new sources of engagement, and don’t shy away from taking on difficult tasks that can wind up be rewarding long-term.

6. Incorporate Soothing Tastes, Smells & Essential Oils

Aromatherapy, or simply smelling something that reminds you of comforting times (such as fresh baked cookies) has been linked to the release of endorphins. Essential oil scents such as vanilla, chamomile, rose and lavender can help you actually feel calmer almost instantly. And similarly, consumption of “guilty pleasures” like dark chocolate can bring on a feeling of comfort, thanks to the release of chemicals such as theobromine.

Wondering if the giggly, mellow feeling you might get from alcohol is related to endorphins? According to recent studies, drinking alcohol may release a small amount of feel-good hormones (especially when you’re having a drink while bonding with friends), but too much will actually cause the opposite effects. (12)

7. Spend Time in Nature & in the Sun

Exposing yourself to nature and the sun for about 20 minutes daily helps your skin absorb UV rays and produce vitamin D, which is important for your mood. Sunshine and nature also seem to help regulate the release of neurochemicals like serotonin and melatonin.

What Are Endorphins? Final Thoughts

• Endorphins are neurotransmitters, or natural opiate-peptide chemicals, that pass along signals from one neuron to the next, causing feelings or emotions.
• The release of endorphins is associated with feelings of pleasure, sexuality/sensually, motivation, euphoria, social connection and pain relief.  Low levels of endorphins are associated with pain, addiction, sadness or depression, sleep trouble, brain fog and higher incidence of risk-taking behaviors.
• Natural ways to release endorphins include exercise, eating a healthy diet, laughing, working on fun hobbies, learning something new and connecting with others.

Read Next: How Yoga Changes Your Brain (It’s a Good Thing!)

The post What Are Endorphins? (Plus, Hacks to Trick Your Body into Manufacturing More of These Feel-Good Chemicals) appeared first on Dr. Axe.

“Why am I hungry … like all of the time?” Is that a question you’re asking a lot lately? That’s because weight loss is a bit more complicated than “calories in, calories out.” While that is certainly important, getting your hormones under control is key to stifle an out-of-control appetite.

Luckily, you’re not destined for a life of counting calories (and feeling starved all the time). Eating well, exercising and moving more during the day are key ways to lose weight. But there are other ways to start chipping away at those last few pounds, too. Here are some weird things that make you hungry. And how to start taking steps to reverse overeating …

Why Am I Hungry? 3 Weird Triggers

1. Salt

Eating salt makes you thirsty, right? Nope. A team of researchers from Vanderbilt University found that while excess salt intake can make you thirsty initially, after that your body actually starts producing and storing more of its own water. This forces the body to actually use a lot of fuel to break down muscle mass, fueling your hunger. This breakthrough finding changes what we know about salt and hunger and sheds new light on overeating and its harmful side effects. (1)

If you’re looking to lose weight fast, getting your salt intake under control is key.

Related: What Are Hunger Pangs? Causes and How to Stop Them

2. Air Conditioning

There’s also a theory that air condition primes our body for overeating and weight gain. People seem to eat more in cold temperatures. Why? The body’s trying to stay warm. I get using air conditioning to avoid extreme and dangerous heat, but I wouldn’t make air conditioning a habit if you’re trying to lose weight.  (2, 3)

3. Certain Drugs

Certain medications could be fueling your appetite. Some allergy meds, insulin, steroids and even some blood pressure meds and anti-depressants are known to trigger hunger and weight gain. While you shouldn’t just get off of your meds without talking to your doctor, healing leaky gut can go a long way in actually reversing allergies and a long list of other symptoms. (Rather than just covering them up.) Working on gut repair can begin the process of healing the root cause of many ailments.(4)

How to Get Your Hunger Under Control

You can take several approaches to get reset your food cravings — and finally have some solutions for your “Why I am hungry?” question. You may want to work with your doctor to ID any hormone imbalances. But regardless of that, here are other things you can do:

• Work natural appetite suppressants into your routine. These include green tea extract, spicy foods, saffron extract and high-fiber foods.
• Learn how to work with grapefruit essential oil. Just the scent of grapefruit oil excites sympathetic nerves that supply the brown adipose tissue and adrenal glands, which may help stimulate weight loss.
• Exercise regularly. Mix it up with burst training and other forms of exercise you enjoy.
• Eat foods that balance your hormones naturally. Avocados are at the top of that list.

Final Thoughts On the Question, “Why Am I Always Hungry?”

• There are a number of surprising things that could be causing you to overeat.
• Too much salt doesn’t make you thirsty, it actually triggers your body to produce and store more water, which takes lot of energy and makes you even hungrier.
• Getting enough sleep, eating foods that balance your hormones and choosing appetite-suppressing foods and spices can help you avoid overeating.
• Simple smelling grapefruit essential oil can actually help promote weight loss and lower hunger levels.

Read Next: 5 Reasons Why Women Struggle to Lose Weight

The post Why Am I Hungry? Weird Things Stoking Your Appetite appeared first on Dr. Axe.

What Is Hypopituitarism?

Hypopituitarism refers to under-functioning of the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a tiny organ — about the size of a pea. It’s located at the base of the brain. Known as the “master gland” of the body, it produces many hormones that travel throughout the body.  It directs certain processes and stimulates other glands to produce hormones.

A person with hypopituitarism has a pituitary gland that doesn’t produce one or more of its hormones, or doesn’t produce enough of them. This disorder can affect any number of the body’s routine functions, including growth, blood pressure and reproduction.

According to research published in Postgraduate Medical Journal, the prevalence of hypopituitarism is 45 cases per 100,000 people and the incidence rate is about 4 cases per 100,000 people, per year. Nearly 50 percent of patients have three to five pituitary hormone deficits. (1)

Common Symptoms of Hypopituitarism

Hypopituitarism symptoms are sometimes not obvious and may be overlooked. The severity of symptoms typically depends on which pituitary hormones are low and the extent of hormone deficiency. Some common signs and symptoms of hypopituitarism include:

• fatigue
• decreased appetite
• weight loss
• sensitivity or intolerance to the cold
• decreased tolerance of exercise
• decreased sex drive
• infertility
• facial puffiness
• anemia
• hot flashes
• irregular or no periods
• loss of pubic hair
• inability to produce breastmilk
• decreased facial or body hair in men
• diminished muscle mass and bone mineral density
• short stature in children (2)

Hypopituitarism symptoms depend on which hormone or hormones are missing. Symptoms associated with specific hormone deficiencies are listed below:

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency. Fatigue, low sodium in blood, weight loss and skin paleness.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) deficiency. Fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, constipation, sensitivity to cold

Luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) deficiency. Loss of periods for women, erectile dysfunction and impotence for men, loss of sex drive and infertility.

Growth hormone (GH) deficiency. Lack of growth (height) for children and adolescents, increased body fat, failure to achieve normal peak bone mass or decreased muscle and bone mass.

Prolactin (PRL) deficiency. Inability to breast feed

Oxytocin deficiency. Could make breastfeeding more difficult.

Antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin) deficiency. Frequent urination during the day and night, dilute urine and excessive thirst (3)

The progressive loss of pituitary hormone secretion is usually a slow process. It can occur over a period of months or years. However, occasionally hypopituitarism does start suddenly with a rapid onset of symptoms.

Generally, growth hormone is lost first.  Then luteinizing hormone deficiency occurs. The loss of follicle-stimulating hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, and adrenocorticotropin hormones and prolactin typically follow much later. (4)

Hypopituitarism Causes and Risk Factors

A number of factors or health conditions can cause hypopituitarism. These include diseases of the pituitary gland or diseases of the hypothalamus that cause diminished secretion of hypothalamic releasing hormones. These hypothalamus diseases reduce the secretion of corresponding pituitary hormones.

Certain tumors can also affect pituitary gland function; this includes brain tumors, pituitary gland tumors and hypothalamus tumors. As a tumor gets bigger, it can compress and damage pituitary tissue, thereby interfering with hormone production. The most common cause of hypopituitarism is a pituitary tumor, also known as a pituitary adenoma. A pituitary tumor is almost always benign. However, it puts pressure on the rest of the pituitary gland.  It also limits or even destroys the pituitary gland’s ability to produce hormones appropriately.

Your pituitary gland may also stop producing one or more of its hormones because of a traumatic injury. This can include brain surgery, a brain infection or a head injury.

Diseases caused by inflammation, impaired immune function or abnormal growth of tissue can cause the pituitary gland not to work properly. (5) This includes infections of the brain, such as meningitis, infections such as tuberculosis, syphilis and mycoses, and the following inflammatory diseases:

• Sarcoidosis — a disease involving an abnormal collection of inflammatory cells that form lumps known as granulomas. 
• Langerhans cell histiocytosis — when abnormal cells cause scarring in numerous parts of the body.
• Hemochromatosis — a disease in which too much iron builds up in the body.

Other health issues that may lead to hypopituitarism include: a severe loss of blood during childbirth, which may cause damage to the front part of the pituitary gland (this is known Sheehan’s syndrome or postpartum pituitary necrosis), genetic mutations resulting in impaired pituitary hormone production, radiation damage and diseases of the hypothalamus.

Sheehan’s syndrome is a condition that affects women who lose a life-threatening amount of blood in childbirth and/or don’t have enough oxygen after childbirth. It is one of the most common causes of hypopituitarism in both underdeveloped and developing countries. (6)

Various studies have also looked into the effects of radiation damage and its link to hypopituitarism. Data shows that with low radiation doses, growth hormone deficiency usually occurs in isolation in about 30 percent of patients. With higher radiation doses (30 to 50 Gy), the incidence of growth hormone deficiency can reach 50 to 100 percent of patients. Researchers have also found that with higher dose cranial irradiation or following conventional irradiation for pituitary tumors, multiple hormonal deficiencies happen in 30 to 60 precent of patients after ten years of follow-up. (7)

Conventional Treatment

Research shows that hypopituitarism is treatable. A patient with this condition should be able to perform normal activities as long as the appropriate hormonal therapy is used consistently and properly.

Hormone replacement therapy regulates circulating hormones, restores normal physiology as closely as possible and eliminates symptoms of hormone problems. To treat hypopituitarism, the replacement of deficient hormones is required for life. This can be discouraging for patients who resist long-term therapy because of the fear of adverse effects. One rule of hormone replacement therapy is that no one dose will suit every patient. Because of this, when hormone replacement therapy is prescribed, the patient must be seen regularly to check see how they are responding to the treatment, and to change the dose if needed. (8)

Hormone replacement medications may include:

• cortisol replacement therapy (some doctors prescribe prednisone instead of cortisol)
• thyroid hormone (levothyroxine)
• sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone for women and testosterone for men)
• human growth hormone therapy
• antidiuretic hormone therapy (desmopressin)

According to research published in Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, lifelong therapeutic replacement of target hormonal deficiencies is necessary to avoid potentially life-threatening complications of hypopituitarism. But, there may be problems associated with administration and routine monitoring of this treatment. An ongoing challenge is to create and manage a helpful plan of tailoring hormonal replacement regimens for individuals in order to avoid morbidity and mortality associated with hypopituitarism. (9)

Although the goal of hormone replacement therapy is to enable the patient to live a normal life, there are some risks involved in this type of therapy. Hormone replacement at doses that are higher than needed, especially in the case of cortisol, may harm the heart, bones and other organs. On the other hand, too low a dose of cortisol increases the risk of adrenal insufficiency, which is why patients must take additional cortisol when they are in stressful situations. (10)

Some medications, like human growth hormone replacement, may have side effects. These side effects include ankle swelling, joint aches and an increase in blood sugar levels.

People who have hypopituitarism a long time have a slight shorter life span due to vascular causes, such as heart attacks and stroke, and infections.  Although the reasons for this are not clear, patients with hypopituitarism should be screened for additional cardiovascular risk factors. They should also take steps to control their risk of developing cardiovascular issues. (11)

8 Natural Remedies for Hypopituitarism

1. L-arginine

L-arginine is a type of amino acid that stimulates the production of certain hormones. These include especially beneficial growth hormones and insulin. L-arginine can help to reduce the symptoms of hypopituitarism, such as hair loss. It can also help to balance the body’s fluids, heal wounds, boost sperm production and allow for blood vessel relaxation.

A 2005 study published in Growth Hormone and IGF Research found that 5 to 9 grams of oral arginine caused a significant growth hormone response, which started approximately 30 minutes after ingestion and peaked approximately 60 minutes after ingestion. (12)

To naturally help your body make and use more L-arginine, eat clean sources of protein. These include cage-free eggs, cultured yogurt, grass-fed beef, pasture-raised poultry, liver and organ meats, wild-caught fish, walnuts and almonds.

2. Probiotics

The gut microflora has metabolic effects. This is why they are sometimes given to preterm infants. Research shows that young children who receive probiotic supplementation may achieve faster growth. (13) Research also suggests that probiotics cause significant elevations in growth hormone and testosterone levels in animals. (14)

Aside from taking a daily supplement, use probiotic foods to boost your intake of these healthy bacteria. This includes kefir, cultured vegetables, cultured yogurt, raw cheese, kombucha, apple cider vinegar and miso. At the same time, it’s important that you steer clear of foods that can cause damage to your gut. These include processed foods, hydrogenated oils and added sugar.

3. Copper

A severe copper deficiency may harm the body in multiple ways, including slowing growth. Research shows that adequate intake of copper and other micronutrients is needed for childhood growth promotion. Copper plays an important role in bodily growth and repair. (15) The body uses copper frequently and it cannot store the mineral in sufficient amounts. Eating copper-rich foods like nuts, seeds, wild seafood, beans, liver and oysters can help you to prevent a copper deficiency and maintain hormone balance.

4. Glycine

Glycine is an amino acid that plays a role in the production of human growth hormone. Studies show that glycine increases growth hormone levels. Evidence is mixed about its effectiveness for people with an existing growth hormone deficiency. A 2003 study published in Nutritional Neuroscience involved 42 healthy participants who received either five grams of a nutritional supplement containing glycine, glutamine and niacin, or placebo, twice daily for three weeks. The nutritional supplement containing glycine increased serum growth hormone levels by 70 percent relative to placebo. (16)

5. Adaptogen Herbs

Adaptogen herbs help to balance, restore and protect the body. They respond to any influence or stressor, normalizing your physiological functions. Research shows that adaptogen herbs have positive benefits on the reproductive health of both men and women. They can improve fertility and sexual desire. Adaptogens may also have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, helping to protect the heart and regulate blood pressure. This is important because people with hypopituitarism are at a greater risk of death due to cardiovascular issues. (17)

Some of the most powerful adaptogen herbs include ginseng, holy basil, rhodiola, ashwagandha and astragalus root. Because these herbs affect stress hormones, you should only use them under the care of your healthcare provider. This is especially important if you are already on hormone replacement therapy.

6. Healthy Fats

Eating healthy fats, such as coconut oil, avocados, grass-fed butter and wild-caught salmon, help to balance your hormones naturally. The body needs short, medium and long-chain fatty acids to create hormones. These essential fats are not only fundamental building blocks for hormone production. They also reduce inflammation and improve heart health. (18)

7. Exercise

One of the many benefits of exercise is its ability to increase growth hormone prevalence. Research conducted at Syracuse University suggests that exercise is a very potent stimulator of growth hormone release. There is considerable research documenting the dramatic rise of growth hormone. Studies suggest that exercise can increase growth hormone levels by 300 to 500 percent. (19)

8. Sleep

Adequate sleep, which means 7 to 8 hours every night, is essential for hormone balance. Your hormones work on a schedule. The body regulates cortisol levels in the middle of the night. This helps to give your body a break from your flight or fight stress response. Sleep helps to keep stress hormones balanced. It also helps to build energy and allow the body to recover from stress properly. (20)

Precautions

Hypopituitarism can be a life-threatening condition if it’s not regulated properly. Natural remedies should always be used under the care of your doctor. For some people, hormone replacement therapy may be a needed treatment.

Final Thoughts on Hypopituitarism

• Hypopituitarism is a term that refers to the under function of the pituitary gland.
• The symptoms of hypopituitarism depend on which hormones are deficient. Some common signs include fatigue, weight loss, decreased tolerance of exercise, decreased sex drive and short stature in children.
• A number of factors or health conditions can cause hypopituitarism. These include diseases of the pituitary gland, diseases of the hypothalamus, pituitary tumors and radiation damage.
• Research shows that hypopituitarism is treatable. A patient with this condition should be able to do normal activities as long as the appropriate hormonal therapy is used consistently and properly.
• Some natural remedies for hypopituitarism that may help when used with hormone replacement therapy include L-arginine, probiotics, copper, adaptogen herbs and exercise.

Read Next: Benefits and Risks of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

The post Hypopituitarism Symptoms, Causes & 8 Natural Remedies appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Hormone replacement therapy is now a widely available treatment option that’s growing in popularity among women over the age of 35 — specifically those who feel run-down, prone to weight gain (sometimes for the first time in their lives) and out of other options when it comes to managing symptoms of menopause. This includes options like bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to balance hormones and improve certain conditions.

The use of hormones to to help control symptoms like fatigue, bloating, low sex drive and thinning hair is very controversial. Some women swear by its beneficial effects, while others remain fearful of potential side effects. When it comes to the effectiveness and safety of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, studies also show mixed results. The FDA states that it’s “concerned that BHRT claims mislead women and health care professionals, giving them a false sense of assurance about using potentially dangerous hormone products … ‘BHRT’ is a marketing term not recognized by the FDA, and the FDA is taking action against pharmacies that make false and misleading claims about BHRT drugs.” (1)

Here’s my opinion: While hormone therapy might be better than some other standard medical options, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is not the ideal treatment approach either.

My advice is that in most cases BHRT is not completely necessary. In fact, lifestyle changes like exercising, using herbal supplements and improving your diet can help give you most (if not all) of the same benefits. That being said, when other approaches for overcoming menopause or age-related symptoms are exhausted and have not provided relief, hormone replacement might be beneficial for some women.

What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is the use of hormones to help resolve symptoms related to hormonal imbalance or decline in hormone production tied to aging. Certain hormone treatments are called “bioidentical” or sometimes “natural” because the types of hormones used are chemically identical (according to molecular studies) to those produced by the human body.

Specific hormones that BHRT aims to increase or balance include those tied to reproduction and youth, such as estrogen (in the form of estrone or estradiol), progesterone, and sometimes testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and adrenal hormones. (2) During the years leading up to menopause, and then through this transition, a woman’s body produces less of these hormones (especially estrogen), which may lead to symptoms like fatigue, hot flashes/night sweats, vaginal dryness and thinning bones. Various hormone therapy products are used to overcome these symptoms, some of which have been approved by the FDA and are available by prescription through health care providers, but many of which have not.

BHRT treatments include creams, lotions, injections, gels, sprats or tablets that have the goal of raising hormone levels back up to a more youthful state. Examples of popular bioidentical hormone replacement therapy products now on the market include Estrace, Premphase, Prempro, Activara and Vivelle-Dot, just to name a few (there are dozens and even more that are not “bioidentical”). (3)

Who Benefits from Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Wondering if this approach to managing symptoms associated with aging really works and if it’s necessary or even safe?

Hormone production increases during puberty and reaches a peak in healthy adults during their 20s and early 30s. Whether we like it or not, hormone levels then start to decline beginning around our mid-30s to early 40s and continue to remain at lower levels for the remainder of our lives. This drop in hormones is natural and unavoidable in many ways, but we can still help control how rapidly or smoothly this change happens and how we adapt to its effects.

BHRT might help some adults transition through these changes more easily, but this doesn’t mean that hormone treatments are always necessary or the best and only solution. Before we go further into the pros and cons of BHRT, let’s discuss who uses these treatments most often. What are some signs that your hormones are shifting and, therefore, that you might be a candidate for BHRT? These include:

• Menstrual cycles gradually ending (irregular periods can continue for several years)
• Thinning hair, on both your head and body (this occurs in most men and women, although usually more noticeably in men)
• Lowered sex drive and signs like vaginal dryness
• Often weight gain, especially around the stomach/abdomen
• Exhaustion and having less energy, for some even chronic fatigue along with muscle weakness
• Dryer skin
• For many, changes in body temperature and other common symptoms of perimenopause, including hot flashes or night sweats
• Sometimes trouble sleeping or symptoms of mood changes/emotional instability like irritability and anxiety
• Cognitive changes like brain fog, reduced concentration and trouble remembering

Part of the problem is that symptoms that are often attributed to aging or menopause, such as weight gain and fatigue, can actually begin in women before menopause takes place because they’re caused by other lifestyle factors. For example, it’s not common for women even in their 20s or mid-30s to already report having trouble sleeping, digestive issues or a lack of energy.

Things like nutrient deficiencies, a lack of sleep and high amounts of emotional stress can all disturb hormonal balance and raise inflammation well before menopause even takes place. Therefore I believe that if the root problems causing hormonal imbalances are properly addressed (poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, anxiety, etc.), then the unwanted symptoms should also dissolve, without the use of hormone therapy.

How can you know if your symptoms are related to hormonal changes or due to another health condition that should be treated first? Experts recommend considering how your health and reaction to lifestyle habits have changed over time as you’ve gotten older. For example, if you exercised and slept a certain amount during your 20s–30s and felt well, but during your late 40s suddenly you began feeling differently without changing your routine, then there’s a good chance that your symptoms are related to fluctuations in hormones like testosterone and estrogen.

Traditional Hormone Replacement Therapy vs. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy: What’s the Difference?

Although they do still need to be processed in some ways to make them effective for human use, “natural” hormones used in BHRT are derived from products like plants and animal sources, rather than being created synthetically in a lab like some products. (4)

Some health care providers who prescribe BHRT products perform saliva or blood tests in their patients first in order to assess their unique hormonal needs and then prescribe customized treatment solutions. This is called “custom-compounded” (custom-mixed) hormone therapy. Not all BHRT is customized, however. There are also FDA-approved hormone therapy products that are commercially available which are not specialized for each patient, and those that are not “naturally” produced.

The FDA has reported that, according to clinical studies, hormones that are marketed as bioidentical or natural don’t appear to be any more effective or safe compared to hormones used in traditional hormone therapy products. (5) Some research also shows that hormones that are marked as bioidentical might not be much different at all from those in traditional hormone replacement therapy and might even be riskier in some cases.

One of the biggest concerns associated with BHRT is regarding custom-mixed BHRT treatments, since not all mixtures meet FDA guidelines. With custom-compounded mixtures, when a doctor formulates a unique hormone treatment for a patient, the FDA does not have the chance to confirm that the active ingredients are used together in an effective manner or that they will be absorbed appropriately.

FDA-approved hormone therapy drugs undergo a lengthy process to meet federal standards for approval, but custom-compounded BHRT drugs usually don’t meet these standards. It’s possible for some BHRT mixes to contain other inactive ingredients that help bind pills, creams or lotions, which can cause side effects or allergies in some patients.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, there’s also issues surrounding accuracy of testing when it comes to measuring patients’ hormone levels with saliva or blood tests. There is not strong scientific evidence that these tests are accurate given the fact that a woman’s hormones can vary throughout the day or vary substantially throughout a given month depending on things like her stress, sleep, activity, diet, etc. This makes it difficult to prescribe and prepare a custom-mixed BHRT solution that will work effectively. (6)

Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

1. Might Help Protect Bones

Many studies have found that estrogen and testosterone have benefits for preventing bone loss, so some research suggests that BHRT might help defend against problems like osteoporosis or hip fractures. The Women’s Health Initiative study did demonstrate reduced hip fracture risk when estrogen and progesterone levels were restored — however, claims that BHRT can prevent bone loss or rebuild lost bones have not been proven. (7)

2. May Help Improve Energy (but Likely Won’t Help You Reach a Healthier Weight)

Because declining levels of hormones like progesterone, DHEA and testosterone might be tied to your low levels of energy, it’s possible to experience more mental clarity, motivation, better sleep and alertness when using BHRT. However, this likely won’t translate to a faster metabolism or easier weight loss.

According to a statement by the  Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, “There is no evidence of an effect of oestrogen or combined oestrogen with progestogen on body weight and on the BMI increase normally experienced at the time of menopause.” (8)

3. Can Help Decrease Hot Flashes/Night Sweats and Improve Sleep

Certain clinical studies have found that oral use of HRT is highly effective in alleviating hot flashes and night sweats, two of the most common symptoms associated with menopause and sleep disturbances. One 2001 study that tested the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) vs. a placebo in hot flash symptom frequency and severity found that HRT resulted in an average 77 percent reduction in symptom frequency, while placebo produced about a 50 percent reduction. HRT also lowered severity of symptoms and did not cause more side effects or withdrawal than placebo. (9)

4. May Improve Sex Drive and Reduce Vaginal Dryness

Up to 45 percent of menopause or postmenopausal women might be affected by vaginal atrophy, which causes symptoms like vaginal dryness, pain during sex, itching, irritation, burning and discharge. Hormone replacement drugs used for about one year or less are often prescribed  to alleviate these symptoms.

The North American Menopause Society states that “first-line treatment for vaginal atrophy should include nonhormonal vaginal lubricants and moisturizers, as well as continued sexual activity.” But it also reports benefits of using HRT (such as vaginal creams, rings or tablets) for vaginal atrophy, which may include sustained relief of symptoms as well as physiological improvements thanks to increases in estrogen (such as decreased vaginal pH and increased blood flow, epithelial thickness, secretions). (10)

History and Facts About Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

The North American Menopause Society reports that about 1.4 million women now use BHRT treatments, which is around 40 percent of all prescriptions for hormone therapy in women who are menopausal or postmenopausal.

To date, no large, long-term study has been done to determine the adverse effects of bioidentical hormones, so safety concerns remain a serious issue. The Women’s Health Initiative, one large, long-term study that tested the effects of FDA-approved hormone replacement drugs, determined that side effects are possible in some patients and that these drugs have not been proven to prevent any diseases. (11) That being said, millions of women (and a much lower percentage of men too) have reported improvements from using hormone replacement drugs.

As described above, one concern with the use of BHRT is using a custom-mixed solution that has not been FDA-tested. According to the FDA, other concerns can include disguising/leaving untreated symptoms that are really caused by another illness (such as an autoimmune disorder or dietary intolerance) or potential side effects like raising the risk for blood clots, stroke, gallbladder disease, vision changes, skin changes, mood swings, and possibly heart disease or breast cancer. As of now, the FDA has also never approved any drug containing estriol, so keep in mind that benefits associated with products containing this hormone remain especially unknown.

Is BHRT Safe? Plus Other Treatments to Consider First

BHRT products have not been proven to be safe or unsafe. Because not enough is known about their long-term efficacy or safety, they’re still considered controversial. (12) Be aware of potential side effects, and know that claims stating BHRT is protective against cancer or heart disease in women has not been validated. (13) If you do decide to use them, do so using the lowest dose that helps and for the shortest time period needed to help reduce the chance for side effects.

How Else Can You Balance Hormones Naturally?

Before considering BHRT, I urge you to make lifestyle changes that are truly natural to see how you feel. Chances are your weight, sleep, mood and energy would greatly improve if you tried some of the following hormone-balancing solutions:

• Dietary changes: Reduce intake of inflammatory foods and empty calories, like added sugar, refined grains, processed oils, fried foods and packaged products. Consider focusing on eating more fiber, getting more antioxidants from fresh veggies and fruit, and limiting refined carbs from too many grains if weight loss is your goal.
• Natural herbs: Evidence supports the use of natural medicinal herbs, such as vitex, black cohosh and evening primrose, for helping manage symptoms of menopause or aging. These have been safely used in practices like Traditional Chinese Medicine or Ayurvedic Medicine for centuries, so they tend to pose much less risk for side effects compared to prescriptions.
• Stress management: Emotional stress can take a major toll on the body, lowering immunity and disturbing hormonal balance. Try natural stress relievers like exercise, essential oils, meditation and spending more time outdoors.
• Acupuncture: Useful for lowering anxiety or stress, it helps decrease pain and holds other benefits as well.
• Exercise: Exercise reduces inflammation, helps improve sleep and can help you stay at a healthy weight more easily throughout adulthood.

Final Thoughts on Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

• Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is the use of hormones to help resolve symptoms related to aging or menopause. Bioidentical hormones are considered more natural compared to standard HRT because the hormones are chemically identical to those produced by the human body.
• People who turn to BHRT use this treatment for reducing symptoms like hot flashes/night sweats, fatigue or weakness, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness, and lowered sex drive. BHRT has not been shown to help prevent weight gain associated with aging and has not been proven to lower risks associated with any chronic diseases.
• BHRT poses potential risks, including short-term side effects like indigestion or mood swings, along with possible heightened risk for conditions like cancer or stroke.
• Before trying hormone replacement therapy, I recommend a natural approach to balancing hormones, including improving your diet, exercising, using natural herbs, decreasing allergies or deficiencies, and reducing stress.

Read Next: Top 3 Essential Oils to Balance Hormones Naturally

The post Benefits & Risks of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Did you know that there are over 80 different types of autoimmune disorders that affect various organs, glands, systems and functions throughout the body? Graves’ disease is a common autoimmune disorder characterized by an overproduction of thyroid hormones.

The thyroid is considered one of the most important endocrine glands in the body, since it produces hormones that affect nearly every aspect of life: hunger, sleep, reproduction, energy levels, metabolism, body weight and more. You may have heard more about disorders caused by hypothyroidism, since they tend to be more common than hyperthyroid disorders. Hypothyroid conditions cause the thyroid to be underactive, meaning it doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones.

In the U.S., Graves’ disease is the No. 1 cause of hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland. (1) So, what is Graves’ disease, and how can you treat this common thyroid issue naturally?

What Is Graves’ Disease?

Graves’ disease was first identified by Irish physician Robert Graves about 150 years ago. (2) Graves’ disease symptoms can vary a lot depending on the individual and how severe the disorder has become. Because the thyroid gland has such widespread and important roles in the body, symptoms of Graves’ disease are usually very apparent and can affect overall well-being and health in many different ways. Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the entire thyroid gland and results from the overproduction of thyroid hormones, known as thyrotoxicosis.

In the medical world, an autoimmune disorder is considered a chronic illness, having no permanent cure and needing to be controlled over time through various lifestyle changes and sometimes medications, too. The primary goal of controlling Graves’ disease is to stop the overproduction of thyroid hormones, which helps lower Graves’ symptoms, including trouble sleeping, weight loss, eye bulging (known as Graves’ orbitopathy) and personality changes. (3)

As you’ll come to learn, managing stress is one of the most important ways to fight autoimmune disorders, since some studies find that up to 80 percent of patients who develop autoimmune disorders classify themselves as having suffered from high amounts of stress!

It can be hard to diagnose and treat Graves’ disease because many people who have symptoms of abnormal thyroid activity also experience symptoms that can confused with other disorders. Some studies have found that for someone to be diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder like Graves’ disease, it usually requires the patient to visit an average of five doctors over the course of several years, causing a lot of uncertainty and grief in the process.

So it’s often a stressful road to arrive at a diagnosis of Graves’ disease, but fortunately many people are able to help control the disorder well once they make certain adjustments to their diets, stress levels and lifestyles.

How Graves’ Disease Develops

Normally, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is released by the pituitary gland in the brain and usually determines how much hormones the thyroid produces. But people with Graves’ disease experience a break in normal communication between the pituitary glad and thyroid gland, resulting in abnormal antibodies being released that mimic TSH and therefore cause too much thyroid hormone to be circulated into the bloodstream.

These antibodies are called thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) and thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb). TSI cells have a similar effect to TSH, which we need in adequate amounts to help the thyroid function normally. But TSI antibodies cause the thyroid gland to produce excess thyroid hormones above and beyond what is necessary and healthy.

Since the thyroid mistakes these antibodies for TSH, they can override normal signals sent from the pituitary gland and therefore cause hyperthyroidism. As TSI and TRAb levels rise, inflammation increases, which indicates that the immune system is working on overdrive and accidentally attacking the body’s own healthy tissue. A harmful cycle can develop in people with Graves’ disease because the more active the immune system becomes, the more bodily tissue is damaged and then more activated T-cells and auto-antibodies are released.

We produce several different kinds of thyroid hormones normally, including the types called T3 and T4. Compared to healthy people without autoimmune or thyroid disorders, on a blood test people with Graves’ disease show abnormally high levels of T3 and T4, low TSH, and a high presence of TSI antibodies.

Some of the most noticeable effects of Graves’ disease are changes in someone’s weight, mood and appearance. That’s because hormones secreted by the thyroid gland control your metabolism — meaning your body’s ability to use nutrients and calories from the food you eat in order to have enough energy. You’ve likely heard and noticed that genetics play a big part in determining someone’s body weight. That’s because thyroid gland activity is somewhat hereditary — therefore so is the rate of someone’s metabolism. The metabolic rate is determined by the amount of available circulating thyroid hormones. So when the thyroid gland secretes an overabundance of these hormones, the metabolism can shoot up and cause weight loss, anxiousness and irritability.

A link also has been identified between Graves’ disease and another thyroid disorder known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s is the most common cause of hypothyroidism and, like Graves’ disease, it’s also an autoimmune disorder. Hashimoto’s can sometimes develop after taking antithyroid medication as a treatment for Graves’ disease as the medication causes the thyroid to slow production of thyroid hormones and move towards hypothyroidism. (4)

Conventional Treatment of Graves’ Disease

Many people with Graves’ suffer from physical feelings associated with anxiety, including fast heartbeat (or “pounding heart”), increased sweating, trembling, changes in appetite, trouble with digesting food normally and difficulty getting good sleep. Your physician will likely refer you to an endocrinologist, or hormone specialist, to diagnose these symptoms and develop a treatment plan.

There are three standard conventional treatment options for Graves’ disease: (5)

• • • Antithyroid medications: The two most common medications used to treat Graves’ disease are methimazole (MMI; brand name: Tapazole) and propylthiouracil (PTU). Antithyroid medication works by limiting the amount of thyroid hormones released into the body. It can result in hypothyroidism. Methimazole can cross the placental membrane, risking harm to the developing fetus, therefore pregnant women are cautioned to speak with their doctor before taking, or continuing to take, this medication. No adverse effects have been found in nursing infants, but it’s best to consult your doctor before breastfeeding while taking this medication. Propylthiouracil can be used during the first three months of pregnancy but should only be used if needed. It is not recommended during the last six months of pregnancy. Check with your doctor before breastfeeding.Your endocrinologist may also prescribe other medications to manage symptoms of Graves’ disease such as anxiety, palpitations, heat intolerance, sweating and tremors. These medications may include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers and central-acting agents.
    • Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy: A treatment involving the administration of radioactive iodine, which destroys the cells that make up the thyroid gland. This procedure results in hypothyroidism and requires lifelong treatment with the medication levothyroxine to replace the thyroid hormone. A loss of taste sensation and damage to salivary glands, resulting in dry mouth, may occur. RAI is not recommended for pregnant patients.
    • Thyroidectomy (surgical removal of the thyroid gland): Surgical removal of the thyroid gland also results in hypothyroidism and includes the added risk of other complications such as vocal cord nerve damage and hypoparathyroidism. Surgery is not as common as it once was now that medication and RAI are available options.

There is controversy surrounding the best way to manage the disease. Each case is individual, requiring a discussion between the patient and her endocrinologist. Each option has its own risks and benefits and none is particularly ideal. The choice of treatment plan may also be impacted by other factors such as patient preference; geographical location and availability of health care services (such as access to certain treatments); whether or not the patient is pregnant; and the potential impact of co-existing morbidities. (6)

Natural Treatment for Graves’ Disease

1. Manage Stress Levels

Several studies, involving both humans and animals, show that stress can ignite autoimmune reactions and worsen inflammation. That’s probably why such a high percentage of Graves’ disease patients report having experienced trauma or chronic stress before developing the disease. Research demonstrates that stress causes both physical and psychological changes that impact how the immune system works, causing a downstream of neuro-endocrine alterations that can wind up leading to autoimmune disorders and tissue damage. (7)

Stress can raise levels of cortisol and adrenaline, which disturb neurotransmitter function and worsen symptoms of thyroid disease. To keep stress from aggravating Graves’ disease, build stress-reducing practices into your day, including natural stress relievers such as: exercise, meditation, prayer, spending time in nature, using essential oils, massage therapy, acupuncture or volunteering for a good cause.

2. Eat an Anti-inflammatory Diet

Reducing inflammation through a healthy diet is one of the best ways to enhance immune function, create a healthy gut environment and manage your autoimmune symptoms. Inflammation can partially be traced to an unhealthy gut “microbiota” that is caused by nutrient deficiencies, food allergies or sensitivities, which all raise autoimmune activity. (8)

Some of the ways that your diet might trigger autoimmune reactions include eating common allergens like gluten and dairy products, which the immune system can actually register as a threat when they aren’t digested properly. Allergens can contribute to leaky gut syndrome, in which small particles leak out into the bloodstream through tiny openings in the gut lining, triggering autoimmunity.

A well-rounded diet that’s filled with anti-inflammatory foods and free from toxin overload helps resolve bacterial imbalances in the gut that make symptoms worse.

Focus on limiting or avoiding foods capable of aggravating autoimmune disorders, including:

• • • • • conventional dairy products
        • gluten
        • artificial flavorings or dyes
        • added sugar
        • GMO ingredients (common in almost all packaged foods which contain preservatives, high fructose corn syrup and other chemical ingredients)

It’s also important to avoid foods that are high in iodine as it increases levels of thyroid hormone. These include foods such as iodized salt, egg yolks and seaweed. For this same reason, avoid certain herbs and plants, including  bladderwrack (a sea plant). Some herbs also have thyroid-stimulating properties, such as ashwaganda. Speak with your natural health care practitioner or herbalist before taking herbal supplements.

Foods that can help control Graves’ disease symptoms include:

• • • • • fresh vegetables/green juices: these provide vital nutrients and fight inflammation
        • fresh fruit: a great source of antioxidants and electrolytes, but avoid processed fruit juices
        • anti-inflammatory herbs: basil, rosemary, parsley and oregano are all anti-inflammatory
        • spices like tumeric, garlic and ginger: known to help boost immune system function
        • bone broth: helps heal the gut and improve detoxification
        • probiotics: balance bacteria within the digestive tract and fight leaky gut syndrome
        • healthy fats including omega-3s: lower inflammation and helps with neurotransmitter functions

3. Get Some Exercise

Exercise is a great way to help control stress and lower inflammation, as long as it’s enjoyable and doesn’t involve overtraining, which may make you even more irritable. Do some sort of exercise daily that makes you feel happier, less anxious and hopefully helps you sleep. Soothing exercises that can work well include dancing, yoga, cycling or swimming. Listening to music while exercising is another great way to “get into the zone” and feel more relaxed afterward. (9)

Another reason to eat a nutrient-rich diet and to exercise is to help protect your bones, since having a thyroid disorder already interferes with your ability to maintain bone strength. Having very high levels of thyroid hormone interferes with your body’s normal ability to incorporate calcium or other minerals into your bones. This means you need to do whatever you can to lower bone loss in other ways. Strength training, including doing bodyweight exercises at home, helps keep bones strong as you age.

4. Quit Smoking

Cigarette smoking and exposure to tobacco and other recreational drugs has been found to be a potential trigger for autoimmune disorders, including Graves’ disease. It’s not exactly clear how cigarettes might make Graves’ disease worse, but it’s very likely that the high amount of toxins present in cigarettes (and other drugs) raises inflammation, damages healthy cells and tissue, and therefore activates the immune system to release more T-fighter cells. (10)

5. Lower Exposure to Environmental Toxins

Most of us come into contact with various chemical or environmental toxins multiple times every single day. There are over 80,000 chemicals and toxins used legally every single year in the U.S. in common household or beauty products, chemically-sprayed crops, prescription medications, birth control pills, and antibiotics. These can all wind up accumulating in the water supply and elsewhere, making their way into our homes and bodies.

I recommend buying organic produce as much as possible, using natural household products (including essential oils), avoiding unnecessary medications however you can, and drinking high-quality water that’s been filtered to eliminate chlorine and fluoride.

6. Treat Sensitivity of the Eyes and Skin

If you develop Graves’ complications in the eyes or on the skin, there are some simple remedies you can try at home to ease inflammation and pain. One particular complication that can occur with this disease is Graves’ ophthalmopathy, also known as Graves’ orbitopathy, which causes the eyes to bulge and can cause vision problems. It can also cause dry, puffy eyes, sometimes with a sensation of grittiness. Try using a cool compress pressed against your eyes to keep them moisturized, as well as applying lubricating eyes drops. Also, always wear sunglasses when outdoors, since sensitive eyes are more prone to damage from ultraviolet rays. If your eyes become puffy overnight, try raising your head while you’re sleeping to keep blood and fluid from building up around your face. (11)

If Graves’ affects your skin, you can use soothing essential oils combined with coconut oil to fight itchiness, swelling and reddening. Essential oils that are gentle and anti-inflammatory include lavender, frankincense, rose and tea tree oil.

7. Talk to Your Doctor About Potential Graves’ Disease Complications

There are certain complications that develop when Graves’ disease is untreated. This is especially true if you’re pregnant, have other forms of inflammatory diseases or if you suffer from another autoimmune disorder.

If you’re pregnant, it’s important to get Graves’ under control since it raises the risk for miscarriage, preterm birth, fetal thyroid dysfunction, poor fetal growth, maternal heart failure and preeclampsia (high blood pressure). If you have a history of heart disease or complications, Graves’ disease can lead to heart rhythm disorders, changes in the structure and function of the heart muscles, and even lead to possible heart failure in some rare cases. Also, because the high thyroid hormone levels can impact bone density, it’s important to discuss the risk of osteoporosis (weak, brittle bones) with your doctor as well.

While there’s plenty you can do on your own to lower Graves’ disease risks and symptoms, always make sure to get professional help if you notice symptoms worsening suddenly or you’re under a lot of stress/anxiety, which can trigger a relapse. Luckily, if it’s treated, and at least mostly resolved, Graves’ disease isn’t likely to cause permanent damage or lead to other disorders.

Graves’ Disease Signs and Symptoms

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism caused by Graves’ disease include: (12)

• • • • • changes in mood, including irritability and anxiousness
        • muscle pains and weakness
        • weight loss despite normal or increased appetite
        • trouble sleeping, restlessness and sometimes insomnia
        • a fast heartbeat
        • sensitivity to heat and changes in temperature
        • digestive problems, including diarrhea
        • tremor of the hands or fingers
        • an increase in perspiration or warm, moist skin
        • enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter)
        • irregular periods
        • erectile dysfunction or reduced libido
        • changes in skin texture, including thickening of the skin on the lower legs or red bumps (called Graves’ dermopathy, or pretibial myxedma)
        • eye problems, including bulging of the eyes (known as Graves’ orbitopathy or Graves’ ophthalmopathy), which affects a high percentage of Graves’ patients (some studies show about 30 percent to 80 percent) (13)
        • pain in the eyes, red eyes, sensitivity to light or vision loss (a less common complication than eye bulging)

Who’s at the biggest risk for developing Graves’ disease? While autoimmune disorders of all kinds can affect both men and women, younger people and the elderly, and people of all nationalities, Graves’ disease is believed to be much more common among women, especially younger women who are below the age of 40. (14) In fact, thyroid disorders and autoimmune disorders in general usually impact women much more than men, which is believed to be the case partially because women’s hormones are more susceptible to changes caused by stress. Graves’ disease is seven to eight times more common in women than men, especially women between ages 30 and 60.

For some people, Graves’ disease can go into remission or even disappear completely after several months or years of living with the disease. Usually, however, it won’t go away on its own without making changes, and it’s important to track the disease since left untreated it can sometimes cause serious complications, just like other autoimmune disorders (such as diabetes). This includes the potential for a rare but very serious and life-threatening complication of Graves’ disease: “thyroid storm,” which is also called thyrotoxic crisis.

Thyroid storm is basically an extreme form of hyperthyroidism, in which symptoms suddenly become worse due to a flooding of thyroid hormones into the body. This excess amount of thyroid hormone may be the result of radioactive iodine therapy or too much thyroid hormone replacement.

Symptoms of thyroid storm can include: (15)

• • • • • vomiting
        • diarrhea
        • high blood pressure
        • jaundice
        • seizures
        • delirium
        • severe agitation
        • abdominal pain
        • heart failure

Thyroid storm can lead to coma or death if not treated. If you experience these symptoms, get emergency medical help immediately.

There is also a greater risk of thyroid cancer, particularly papillary thyroid cancer, among individuals with Graves’ disease. (16) Even though a cancer diagnosis is scary, thyroid cancer is usually very treatable, most often by surgical removal (thyroidectomy).

Causes of Graves’ Disease

How does this autoimmune disease develop and manifest in the body? Graves’ disease is not the only reason that someone might produce more thyroid hormone than normal, but it’s one of the most common reasons. Like other autoimmune disorders, there isn’t a clear-cut cause for Graves’ disease, but rather people are believed to develop Graves’ due to a combination of several factors, which can include: a genetic predisposition, a poor diet, high stress levels and exposure to certain environmental toxins. (17)

Someone who has a family member with Graves’ disease is more likely to be affected, since there seems to be certain genes that increase the chances of developing Graves’. Many experts also believe that autoimmune disorders of all kinds can be triggered by high amounts of chronic stress in someone’s life or a traumatic episode. Other risk factors include having poor immune function and frequent infections, pregnancy, being a smoker/using drugs, or having another autoimmune disease (such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, two of the most common autoimmune conditions).

Graves’ disease develops when the immune system experiences changes in levels of antibodies, which is usually kicked off by high levels of inflammation. The human immune system is designed to respond to a wide variety of “threats,” some that are actually harmful and some that are not. Normally, the immune system’s protective mechanisms keep us free from diseases or infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or cell mutations, but in people with autoimmune disorders, overactivity of the immune system starts to actually harm the body and affect healthy cells, organs and glands.

In an attempt to protect the body from perceived threats (like toxins found in a poor food supply or within the environment), the immune system can raise levels of antibodies, also called “fighter cells,” which look for anything in the body that seems unusual or dangerous. (18) Graves’ is a type of autoimmune disorder with an “organ specific immune response,” meaning these fighter cells begin to attack a specific location in the body (the thyroid gland in this case) instead of raising inflammation throughout the body.

Graves’ Disease Takeaways

• • • • • Graves’ disease is a form of hyperthyroidism, in which the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms can include: anxiety, changes in mood; changes in skin texture; goiter; bulging eyes; tremor; muscle pain and weakness; heart palpitations; digestive issues; and insomnia, among others.
        • Thyroid storm is a rare, but very serious, episode of hyperthyroidism that requires immediate medical attention. It is life-threatening and can lead to coma or death if not treated quickly.
        • Conventional treatment includes medication, radioactive iodine therapy and surgery.
        • Certain lifestyle changes can go a long way in helping to resolve symptoms whether you choose to take antithyroid medications or not.
        • You can find additional information by visiting the American Thyroid Association online.

Read Next: 5 Ways To Treat Hyperthyroidism Naturally

The post Graves’ Disease: 7 Ways to Help Manage Hyperthyroid Symptoms appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Endometriosis is one of the most common health issues experienced among women and one of the leading causes of infertility. How common? It’s estimated that over 176 million women worldwide suffer from endometriosis symptoms.

If you suffer pain and discomfort in your reproductive region, endometriosis may be the reason why. The good news is there are endometriosis natural remedies out there to treat this uncomfortable condition.

Because there are so many treatment options, and each woman responds to medications and supplements differently, it often requires a period of experimentation to treat endometriosis. Education is key — you know your body better than anyone else, so become familiar with the root causes and natural treatments before opting for a more drastic surgical procedure.

Still wondering what, exactly endometriosis is, why endometriosis symptoms occur and how you can treat them? Read on!

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue, similar to the lining of the uterus, grows in other areas of the body. The female reproductive system includes the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. During a normal menstrual cycle, the ovaries make hormones, which signal the lining of the uterus to thicken. This is called the endometrium — the inner mucous membrane of the uterus. The endometrium builds up in preparation to receive a fertilized egg. If the egg is never fertilized, this leads to menstruation, or the shedding of the lining.

For people with endometriosis, the lining tissue grows outside of the uterus. The misplaced tissue responds to the hormones by thickening and shedding with every menstrual cycle; however, the thick tissue is outside of the uterus and is unable to pass through the vagina and out of the body. The endometrial flow is then trapped and may cause inflammation and pain. Adhesions, or scar tissue, may form and stick to one organ to another. It can even cause the fallopian tubes to close, which is a dangerous endometriosis symptom because it can lead to infertility.

Another scary endometriosis symptom is the formation of endometrioma — known as dark, reddish-brown cysts or fluid-filled sacks on the ovaries that affect fertility. Endometriosis may also result in abnormal bleeding.

It’s believed that 40 percent to 60 percent of women who have very painful periods also have endometriosis, and 20 percent to 30 percent of women who are unable to get pregnant are believed to have this disease. (1) Being in tune with your body and having a knowledge of common endometriosis symptoms are helpful.

There is currently no cure for endometriosis, but various treatments are used to relieve the symptoms. Some medication options, like hormonal therapy, can increase the risk of long-term infertility and cancer. If endometriosis symptoms become too severe, surgical procedures may even be necessary.

Fortunately, there are natural remedies for endometriosis that can be utilized before turning to hormone treatments or invasive surgical procedures.

Endometriosis Symptoms

Because 2 percent to 50 percent of women are thought to have “silent” endometriosis — displaying only subtle symptoms or no clinical symptoms at all — it’s important to be aware of the endometriosis symptoms. Endometrial tissue, or implants, can grow in the outside of the womb or in the wall of a fallopian tube.

The disease often affects the ovaries, the “Pouch of Douglas” — which is between the womb and the rectum at the end of the bowel — and the connective tissue in this area. It is when the ovaries or fallopian tubes are affected that women experience fertility problems. (2)

Common endometriosis symptoms include:

• painful periods (also known as dysmenorrhea) or irregular periods
• painful intercourse
• increased pain during bowel movements
• increased pain during urination
• excessive bleeding
• Spotting and bleeding between cycles
• painful digestion
• constipation
• nausea
• chronic lower back and abdominal pain
• pelvic pain
• infertility
• joint pain
• nerve pain
• chronic fatigue
• bloating

With many women, the progression of endometriosis symptoms is slow, developing over many years. Each woman experiences a different range of pain, which can make a diagnosis difficult. The pain typically begins in the lower abdomen and intensifies during a women’s menstrual period or sexual intercourse. As the pain becomes more severe, it may begin to radiate through the lower belly, back and legs — it’s often described as cramp-like pain. (3)

Natural Treatments for Endometriosis Symptoms

1. Healthy Diet

When attempting to relieve endometriosis symptoms naturally, begin by eliminating foods that lead to inflammation. This includes dairy, processed foods, refined sugars, caffeine and carbohydrates. Eliminate these foods from your diet for at least three weeks, paying close attention to your body changing throughout the process. Alcohol, soy and other high-estrogen foods should also be eliminated from your diet because of their estrogenic effects.

According to a review published in Reproductive Biomedicine Online, women with endometriosis seem to consume few vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids and more read meat, coffee and trans fats. (4) Allergy testing may also be beneficial in order to find out what foods lead to inflammation in the body.

It’s important to follow an anti-inflammatory diet when dealing with endometriosis. A 2004 study published in Human Reproduction found that there is a significant reduction in risk of developing endometriosis in women who consume green vegetables and fresh fruit. (5)

That means it’s a good idea to crowd in these super beneficial anti-inflammatory foods:

1. Green leafy vegetables
2. Celery
3. Beets
4. Broccoli
5. Blueberries
6. Salmon
7. Pineapple
8. Bone broth
9. Walnuts
10. Coconut oil
11. Chia seeds
12. Flaxseeds
13. Turmeric
14. Ginger
15. Bok Chow

Magnesium-rich foods also help soothe the uterus and reduce pain. These include pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, black beans, avocado, almonds, bananas, chard and spinach. Iron-rich foods are important as well because they replenish the loss of iron in the body, which is a result of excess bleeding. Some foods containing iron include liver, beef steak, navy beans, black beans, spinach, egg yolk, prunes, artichokes and collard greens.

In addition, you can reduce inflammation, relieve joint and muscle pain, and regulate hormone production with omega-3 foods. Add flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, salmon, trout, tuna, sardines, anchovies and mackerel to your diet.

If you are suffering from constipation as an endometriosis symptom, eat high-fiber foods like quinoa, vegetables, brown rice, berries, coconut, figs, artichokes, peas, okra, Brussel spouts, turnips and acorn squash.

2. Supplements

There are certain supplements that can benefit endometriosis sufferers — such as progesterone cream, fish oil, vitex, milk thistle and more.

Pycnogenol is a French maritime pine bark extract that has been used as a natural remedy to treat endometriosis. In a study published in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 58 women with endometriosis were followed at four, 12, 24 and 48 weeks after starting treatment to check for endometriosis symptoms. Thirty-two patients in the pycnogenol treatment group took 60 milligrams orally per day for 48 weeks. The 26 other patients were treated in the standard way, using gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist.

Treatment with pycnogenol slowly but steadily reduced endometriosis symptoms, while treatment with hormone therapy reduced the symptoms more effectively at first, but 24 weeks after the end of treatment, the scores suggested a recurrence of signs. There was no influence on menstrual cycles or estrogen levels with pcynogenol treatment, while menstruation and estrogen levels decreased with hormone therapy. The researchers concluded that pycnogenol serves as a therapeutic alternative to hormone therapy in the treatment of endometriosis. (6)

You can also take 50 milligrams of vitamin B complex daily to balance hormone levels. B vitamins benefit overall health and reduce toxicity in the body, supporting cellular function. They also regulate and balance the body’s organs and support healthy immunity. Vitamin B6, for example, relieves chronic pain, boosts mood and increases energy levels.

3. Acupuncture

A study conducted at Harvard Medical School found that Japanese-style acupuncture may be an effective, safe and well-tolerated adjunct therapy for endometriosis-related pelvic pain. For the study, 18 young women, ages 12–22 with laparoscopically diagnosed endometriosis-related chronic pelvic pain were analyzed. Participants in the active acupuncture group experienced 62 percent less pain after four weeks, which differed significantly from the control group’s average reduction. (7)

4. Essential Oils

Castor oil can be used to boost immune function and soothe digestion, and castor oil packs can be used on the lower abdomen and pelvic area to reduce pain and inflammation. (8) In addition, clary sage helps balance hormones naturally and has been found to effectively reduce pain and cramping when applied topically. (9) Apply two to four drops topically over the abdomen, and then apply a warm compress over the area to relieve the pain.

Conventional Treatments for Endometriosis Symptoms

Unfortunately, conventional treatments for endometriosis can require a period of experiments in order to find what works. Pain medication is typically prescribed to treat the pain but not the underlying issue. Hormone treatments, such as hormonal contraception or hormonal therapy, are a common path that doctors pursue. They regulate hormones, slow down the growth of endometrial implants and decrease menstrual flow.

Common conventional treatments include:

Medications

1. Lupron

Lupron is an injection that’s used to induce a hormonal and menstrual suppression in patients with endometriosis, resulting in alleviation of pain symptoms. (10) The most common side effects include decreased blood pressure, redness, pain and burning at the sight of injection, fatigue, headache, upset stomach, and muscle aches.

2. Progestins

Progestin is a drug that behaves like the female hormone progesterone. Progestins work by suppressing the growth of endometrial impacts and reducing endometriosis-induced inflammation in the pelvic cavity. (11) During the treatment, women lose their periods and ability to conceive. Women who have had long-acting injections may experience prolonged delays in the return of menstruation after treatment.

Like all hormone medications, there are some common side effects, including acne, bloated stomach, bleeding, breast discomfort, depression, fatigue, headaches, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and weight gain. These side effects can be difficult to live with, and some women cannot complete a course of treatment because they find them intolerable.

3. Danazol

Danazol is a synthetic steroid that serves as a mild androgen (hormones produced by the male testes) but has no estrogenic or progestational properties. Androgens are responsible for the functioning of the male reproductive system and the development of male characteristics, such as facial hair and a deep voice.

Danazol is used to suppress the growth and development of endometrial tissue. The hormonal environment caused by danazol stops menstruation as well. (12) Because it serves as a synthetic male hormone, danzol has androgenic side effects, such as weight gain, increased body hair and acne, decrease in breast size, deepening of the voice, water retention, and oily skin or hair.

Surgical Procedures

1. Laparoscopic Excision or Ablation Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is the most common procedure utilized by doctors for the treatment of endometriosis. The surgeon makes a small incision to insert a lighted viewing instrument called a laparoscope. This allows the surgeon to view the internal organs in order to look for signs of endometriosis and remove any visible endometriosis implants and scar tissue that can cause pain or infertility. If a cyst is found, that is removed as well.

During the procedure, the patient’s abdomen is inflated with gas, which pushes the abdominal wall away from the organs so the surgeon can see clearly. The scar tissue or implants are removed by cutting them (excision) or destroying them with a laser bream or electric current (ablation). Ablation is typically used on very small lesions, with excision as the preferred technique for large lesions, as it involves less risks. (13)

The risks of laparoscopic surgery include pelvic infection, uncontrolled bleeding, scar tissue formation, and damage to the bowel, bladder or ureters. (14)

2. Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus through the abdominal wall or vagina. A total hysterectomy involves removing the entire uterus, including the body of the uterus and the cervix. A subtotal hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus but not the cervix. Other organs may also be removed during a hysterectomy, including the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

A hysterectomy does not guarantee relief from all endometriosis symptoms because there may still be endometrial tissue left inside the body after the removal of the uterus. According to a 2014 review published in Facts, Views & Vision in ObGyn, a high recurrence rate of 62 percent was reported in advanced stages of endometriosis in which the ovaries were conserved. Based on the 77 articles that were identified for the review, incomplete excision of endometriosis is the most predominant reason in the literature for the recurrence of endometriosis symptoms. (15)

Root Causes of Endometriosis

The root cause of endometriosis in unclear, but there appears to be a strong genetic link within families. It’s agreed that endometriosis is not contagious, thus it can’t be transmitted through sexual intercourse.

Endometriosis affects women in their reproductive years. Estimates suggest that 20 percent to 50 percent of women who are treated for infertility have endometriosis. Beginning menstruation early in life, delaying pregnancy until an older age, never giving birth and experiencing menopause later in life may also increase the risk of endometriosis. (16)

There are some other theories pertaining to the causes of endometriosis. One such theory is that menstrual flow is backed up into the fallopian tubes and pelvic and abdominal cavity during menstruation, causing the endometrial tissue to grow outside of the uterus.

Another possibility is coelomic metaplasia — when areas lining the pelvic organs contain primitive cells that can grow into other forms of tissue, such as endometrial cells.

The direct transfer of endometrial tissues during surgical procedures may also serve as an explanation of endometriosis symptoms. The cells may be transferred through the bloodstream or lymphatic system during surgeries, such as a cesarian section or episiotomy. The scar tissue may also contain endometrial cells that will then grow outside of the uterus.

A final explanation is that there is an issue with the interaction between a woman’s hormones or her immune system. Our immune system is supposed to ensure that tissue from a particular organ does not grow elsewhere in the body, so some fingers are pointed at the immune system for allowing endometrial tissue to grow outside of the uterus.

Does Endometriosis Increase the Risk of Cancer?

Research suggests that women with endometriosis have a higher risk of developing ovarian, breast and endometrial cancer. According to a 2012 study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, endometrial cancer has increased 21 percent in incidence since 2008, and the death rate has increased more than 100 percent over the past two decades. (17)

Endometrial, ovarian and breast cancers are associated with several risk factors, such as low parity, infertility, menstruating at an early age and experiencing menopause symptoms at a late age.

A 2008 scientific review conducted in Italy investigated the possible role of endometriosis and infertility in increasing the risk of cancer. Many studies showed that women affected by infertility may be more at risk for endometrial cancer, particularly if affected by ovulatory disorders. Furthermore, infertility and endometriosis are now often treated with medical devices that could by themselves modify the hormonal environment of a woman’s body and serve as cofactors in the cellular changes toward cancer development.

The researchers conclude that there are no firm answers about the precise effects of infertility and endometriosis and their treatments on cancer risk, but further studies involving participants undergoing fertility drug treatments and treatments for ovulatory disorders are in order. (18)

Another study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology followed records of 20,686 women hospitalized with endometriosis from 1969–1983 and the National Swedish Cancer Registry through 1989 in order to identify subsequent cancer diagnoses. Fifty-five percent of these women underwent gynecological operations as a result of an endometriosis diagnoses.

After following these subjects for over 11 years, significant excessed cancer risks were observed for breast cancer, ovarian cancer and hematopoietic malignancies. The risk of ovarian cancer was particularly elevated among subjects with a long-standing history of ovarian endometriosis. The researchers suggest that based on the these findings, further attention should be given to the risk of breast, ovarian and hematopoietic cancers among women with endometriosis and exploring possible hormonal and immunologic reasons for excess risks. (19)

Because of this increased risk of cancer that is apparent in several studies, women with endometriosis should be more vigilant. Be sure to get cancer screenings, like mammograms. Pay attention to your body and aware of early signs of ovarian cancer, such as bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating, and a frequent need to urinate. Discuss the increased risk of cancer with your health care provider, and set up a plan for prevention, such as reducing stress, eating a healthy and anti-inflammatory diet, and engaging in physical exercise.

Final Thoughts on Endometriosis Symptoms

Endometriosis symptoms unfortunately occur in a large percentage of women of reproductive age, but there are steps you can take to prevent and treat this disease. The first step is knowing and identifying symptoms so you can find the proper methods of treatment.

If you eat an anti-inflammatory diet and consume beneficial supplements, you can curb endometriosis — as is the case with most conditions. In addition, acupuncture and essentials can do wonder, and by combining these four natural remedies, you can help avoid unnecessary and dangerous surgery.

While there is no cure, if you follow these steps, you can manage, treat and even prevent endometriosis symptoms from becoming a major hindrance on your life.

The post Diet Changes That Can Halt Endometriosis Symptoms appeared first on Dr. Axe.

[Below is my transcript of my video on natural remedies for thyroid health, along with supplemental information on the topic.]

What I’m going to share with you today are natural remedies for thyroid health. There are more people than ever before that are struggling with hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease, hyperthyroidism and Grave’s disease.

If you personally are one of those people who has a sluggish thyroid, a slow metabolism, maybe you exercise and the weight doesn’t come off like it should, you struggle with adrenal fatigue or lack of energy — all of those are warning signs that you might have a thyroid issue.

I’m going to cover my top five natural remedies that are safe, healthy and effective for improving your thyroid function and helping your body heal any sort of thyroid issue.

5 Natural Remedies for Thyroid Issues

1. Ashwagandha

So for starters, the No. 1 natural remedy you need to start to support the thyroid is ashwagandha, which is proven to heal thyroid and adrenal issues. Ashwagandha is known as an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogen herbs mean they help you adapt and deal with stress, and ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine.

Other adaptogenic herbs can include things like tulsi or holy basil — also things like rhodiola and ginseng and licorice root. All of those are adaptogen herbs, but ashwagandha may be the most effective at naturally supporting overall thyroid health, especially as a natural treatment for hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s. In fact, in the studies on it, it was actually shown to help both hyper and hypothyroid symptoms, which is amazing.

So, you should definitely add ashwagandha to your hypothyroidism diet since it works as a way to treat hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

2. Selenium

The No. 2 thing you should consider adding in to overall improve your thyroid function is selenium. The benefits of selenium are critical — actually, selenium has very powerful antioxidant-like functions. In fact, studies have shown that selenium helps balance out T4 in your body hormones, so again, taking a therapeutic dose of selenium every day has also been shown to benefit thyroid function.

There are also foods high in selenium you can consume, including:

• Brazil nuts
• Yellowfin tuna
• Cooked halibut
• Canned sardines
• Grass-fed beef
• Boneless turkey
• Beef liver
• Chicken
• Eggs
• Spinach

3. B Vitamins

The next thing you want are certain types of B vitamins if you want to improve thyroid function. There are two specifically I want to mention: thiamine and vitamin B12. Thiamine and vitamin B12 are two B vitamins you need that can actually improve thyroid function. If somebody is on a vegan or vegetarian diet, they’re absolutely going to be deficient in vitamin B12 and also are likely to be deficient in thiamine as well.

Vitamin B12 benefits thyroid health by balancing hormones naturally and treating chronic fatigue syndrome. Some of the top vitamin B12 foods include:

• Beef liver
• Sardines
• Grass-fed beef
• Tuna
• Raw cheese
• Cottage cheese
• Lamb
• Raw milk
• Eggs
• Salmon

Thiamine has many of the same benefits for thyroid health as vitamin B12, including supporting the metabolism, and some of the top thiamine foods are:

• Green peas
• Asparagus
• Brussels sprouts
• Sesame seeds
• Sunflower seeds
• Pistachios
• Herring
• Crimini mushrooms
• Ground flaxseed
• Spinach

4. Probiotics

Four and five include probiotics. You know probiotics are critical for digestive function. In fact, thyroid conditions have also been linked to a health problem called leaky gut syndrome. Leaky gut is where a protein like gluten can leak through the gut, get in the bloodstream and cause inflammation throughout the body, but also it can cause inflammation of the thyroid gland. Thus, healing leaky gut syndrome is important and probiotics are the No. 1 supplement for that.

To overcome signs and symptoms of leaky gut, consume more probiotic foods, such as:

• Kefir
• Cultured vegetables
• Kombucha
• Coconut kefir
• Natto
• Probiotic yogurt
• Kvass
• Raw cheese

5. Proteolytic Enzymes

And then, last but not least are proteolytic enzymes. Enzymes reduce inflammation, especially if you have an autoimmune-related thyroid condition like Hashimoto’s disease; taking proteolytic enzymes like bromelain can benefit thyroid health by reducing inflammation of the thyroid.

If you can do those five natural remedies that I mentioned, you’re going to see great results in thyroid function. Sometimes you can even find a blended formula as well with all of those ingredients in it that can support thyroid and adrenal gland function.

So again, really take care of your thyroid. If you have any of those issues I mentioned, especially issues with your metabolism and energy levels, those are big warning signs you have thyroid and adrenal issues.

The post 5 Natural Remedies for Thyroid Health appeared first on Dr. Axe.