Ways Your Gut Affects Your Hormones
Ever felt like your body’s off-kilter, but can’t quite put your finger on why? Perhaps you’ve heard about gut health and hormones but haven’t made the connection. Well, listen up because this isn’t just another health trend; it’s the key to unlocking a healthy gut and happier hormones.
Your Gut is the Conductor of Your Hormonal Orchestra
Imagine your body as a symphony orchestra. Each instrument (or hormone) plays a crucial role, but who’s conducting this gig? Your gut. Surprised? Most people are. There is more to our gut than digestion, our gut is central to our hormonal balance.
Here’s how:
- Serotonin, Your Feel-Good Maestro:
A whopping 95% of your serotonin, your feel-good hormone, is produced in your gut. That’s right, a happy gut equals a happy mind. If your gut flora is out of tune, it can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety.
- Melatonin, Your Sleep Regulator:
Serotonin isn’t just about happiness; it’s also the precursor to melatonin, your body’s natural sleep hormone. An unhappy gut can mean tossing and turning at night, struggling to catch those Zs.
- Thyroid Hormones, Your Metabolic Pacesetters:
Your gut and thyroid are in constant communication. An imbalance in gut flora can throw off your thyroid hormones, affecting everything from your metabolism to your energy levels.
- Estrogen, Your Feminine Essence:
Here’s a lesser-known fact: your gut helps regulate estrogen levels. Poor gut health can lead to estrogen being reabsorbed and recycled back into the body, contributing to excess estrogen which drives inflammatory conditions like heavy painful periods, PCOS and endometriosis.
Signs Your Gut Is Calling for Help
Think your gut health is on point? You might want to listen a little closer. Beyond the obvious signs like bloating and discomfort, your gut can influence everything from your skin to your mood. Here are some signals that your gut might be in distress:
- Persistent Skin Issues: Acne isn’t just a teenage dilemma; it’s often a cry for help from your gut.
- Mood Swings and Low Energy: Feeling down or unusually tired? Your gut might be the culprit.
Autoimmune Flares: A large majority of autoimmune conditions are linked to gut health.
Nourishing Your Gut: Steps to Hormonal Health
Ready to get your gut and hormones in harmony? It’s not just about cutting out the junk; it’s about embracing a holistic approach to health. Here’s where to start:
- Eat the Rainbow: Diversity in your diet feeds your gut’s microbiome, ensuring a wide range of beneficial bacteria. Include as much variety as you can – start with 20 different fruits + vegetables a week. It’s easier than you think.
- Mind Your Microbes: Incorporate fermented foods at each meal to boost your gut flora. Start small with 1-2 tablespoons at each meal. Sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, yoghurt, tempeh are great sources of probiotics.
- Stress Less: Your gut is super sensitive to stress – those butterflies in our tummy, it’s our gut! Find ways to unwind and relax is crucial for gut health.
- Sleep Well: Quality sleep is essential for a healthy gut. Establish a calming nighttime routine to support your body’s natural rhythms.
Final Thoughts: A Symphony of Health
Remember, a healthy gut is the foundation of a healthy body and happy hormones. By nurturing your inner ecosystem, you’re not just improving digestion; you’re setting the stage for hormonal balance, mental well-being, and overall vitality. So as you navigate the demands of your busy life, remember to listen to your gut—it might just be the key to unlocking your best self.
About Kylie Pinwill
Kylie is an accredited nutritionist and host of The Hormone Hub podcast – for women in perimenopause and menopause.
Kylie supports busy, driven women who are feeling lethargic and foggy, struggling with weight gain, bloating and hot flushes, to balance their hormones, reset their metabolisms and better manage stress so they can feel happier, more energised, and get on with living life.
For Kylie, this stage of life can be challenging but it doesn’t need to be.
She believes that we just need to do it differently.
