Health
Marisa HeinzeNovember 11, 2022
Hormones: 3 facts that hardly anyone knows
In the morning, a rising cortisol level helps us get out of bed, during the day the hormone leptin signals that we are hungry and as soon as we eat something, the hormone ghrelin shows us that we are full. When it's time for bed at night, melatonin lulls us to sleep.
All these hormones are indispensable little helpers in our everyday life. Although many hormones and their influence on our body are known, there are still some facts that hardly anyone is aware of. We would like to introduce you to 3 of them.
But first, let's take a look at what exactly hormones are:
What are hormones?
Hormones are various messenger substances that play a fundamental role in many of the body's processes. The term "hormones" comes from the Greek and means something like driving or exciting.
This translation already clearly shows what tasks hormones perform in the body: they drive or activate various processes. In order for all these processes to function smoothly, the hormones must be in balance with each other. We call this balance between the hormones "hormone balance".
By the way:
Excess acidity in the body is a real hormone killer and can trigger weight gain, digestive problems, tiredness, sluggishness and more.
Support your acid-base balance by incorporating citrus fruits, fruit and vegetables into your diet. In addition, alkaline foods, herbal teas and water promote a beneficial acid-base balance.
Hormones Fact 1: Formation in the Gut
One of the most important functions of the intestine is the production of hormones. In order to successfully cope with this task, the gut regularly communicates with important glands of the body. These include, for example, the pancreas and the adrenal gland.
But the gut not only communicates, it is also a kind of conductor. Because it is not solely responsible for hormone production. The intestine also decides which hormone quantities are formed and released. 70 % of the defense cells of the immune system are located in the intestine.
Hormones fact 2: Little Weight Loss Helpers
You eat less than other people, but every bite too much lands on your hips? Then it is possible that your intestinal flora, the so-called microbiome, is less diverse and healthy.
About 400 different types of gut bacteria live on the walls of the large intestine. They all have different tasks. If they are present in a balanced ratio, the intestine is healthy: the digestion and utilisation of the nutrients work well.
If there is an imbalance, illnesses can occur more easily. Also, people gain weight faster when they have too many bacteria of one type and not enough of another.
Measures for a healthy microbiome
Fortunately, you can influence your microbiome to a large extent yourself. Basically, there are several steps on the way to a balanced ratio of microorganisms in the intestine:
- More vegetables, legumes and whole grains
- Less fat and sugar in everyday life
- Sufficient exercise
- If necessary, supplement with pre- and probiotics
If you tend to have a one-sided microbiome, the only way to counteract this in the long term is to change your diet. Probiotics only help during the period of ingestion. Consistency is therefore important if you want to enrich your microbiome in the long term and thereby lose weight and prevent diseases.
Hormones Fact 3: Harmful Environmental Hormones
As early as 2007, Dr. Frederick von Saal from the University of Missouri-Columbia published his research results. As part of his study, the blood of normal-weight and overweight women was examined for chemicals. A high amount of certain plasticizers was found in the overweighted womens' blood. Their children were also larger on average.
BPA (bisphenol A) is a building block for the plastic polycarbonate. This chemical compound mimics the effects of estrogen for the body. BPA has therefore already come into focus because of its damage to the reproductive system and the increased risk of heart disease and prostate cancer.
Another plasticizer whose presence in the blood has been linked to a significant increase in fat cells is DEHP. Although this substance has been regulated and largely banned for some time, it can still be detected in human and animal samples.
This is how you avoid harmful environmental hormones
It is not possible to escape from all the substances in our environment. However, if we pay attention to a few little things when shopping, we have already won a lot.
- Stay away from drinks in plastic polycarbonate bottles, coated carton packs or cans.
- Buy drinks only in glass bottles or PET bottles (PET bottles do no contain added plasticizers).
- Avoid processed foods and canned foods. The same applies to fatty fish or vegetables from cans or jars.
- The more freshly prepared food you treat yourself to, the lower the intake of plasticizers from food.
- The less packaging food comes with, the better.
- When buying plastic, pay attention to the BPA-free information.
- Also pay attention to the BPA-free information when buying your kettle.
- Since the bans and regulations on the use of these substances have only been in place for a few years, you should dispose of old plastic products that come into contact with food. Especially those that contain fat or are heated.
Hormones in balance
Hormones are like hard-working employees who only want the best for a company. Listen carefully and be amazed at how a balanced hormone system affects your general well-being.
If you still need support on the way to your desired figure, make an appointment today for a first, non-binding consultation with our health experts via our website.