Chilternway
Natural Health
Essential Nutrition
Each part of the body's systems require certain nutrients for the numerous natural chemical reactions to take place
The contribution of nutrients helps our body's to reach homeostasis
and support the maintenance of normal body functions
Good Health Starts with Essential Nutrition
It's not so much 'you are what you eat', it's more 'you are what you absorb'.
Think 'nutrients' when selecting a balanced diet and make it a
'source of enjoyment - not misery'.
We would all like our daily allowance of nutrition to come from the food that we eat... but sometimes our lifestyles or our bodies require a little help with supplements.
Why may we need to take supplements?
Elderly - Vitamin D, B6, B12, Folic Acid, Calcium and Iron
Pregnancy - Need for folic acid, Vitamin D, Calcium, and sometimes Iron
Athletes - Those on restricted calorie intake with enhanced exercise
Children - Aged 6 months to 5 years may benefit Vitamins A, C and D
Others - Those lacking balanced nutrition from food source or need a top up to continue combating stresses such as inflammation and lifestyle.
For some - it can simply be for peace of mind to know they are covering all aspects of nutrition to maintain physical health and cognitive function.
Keep it natural - chose Plant Based Supplements
When to take supplements?
Vitamins are best absorbed in your body when they are taken with food and other naturally occurring vitamins. Taking them in the morning gives the best chance of absorption.
Fat-soluble vitamins are best taken with some sort of dietary
fat in order to be absorbed into your system.
B vitamins are not recommended to be taken at night.
Avoid drinking coffee or tea with supplements because Tannins in tea and coffee can interfere with absorption especially iron.
Scroll down to see our full 'Guide to Nutrition'
Read more about Forever Living Products
The Power of Aloe Vera
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Drinking Gels
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I love having a choice and these company's give us just that... a selection of easy ways to add nutritional value to any daily regime.
The Power of Black Cumin Seed
The Power of Seeds
Read more about Rain Seed Nutrition
The supplement range by Forever Living and Rain International are designed to support the body's nutritional requirements alongside a healthy, well-balanced diet, recommended fluid intake and moderate exercise
As well as my long time love for Aloe Vera, Bee Products and Black Cumin Seed, I am also a huge fan of the way Chinese medicine has benefited from using natural herbs over centuries of time. So I am overjoyed that Forever Living and Rain International have made use of this historic evidence and incorporated traditional herbs into their products.
A Guide to Nutrition
The Key foundations to a balanced diet is said to be Carbohydrates + Proteins + Fats
These 'macronutrients' are needed in large quantities each day.
When macronutrients are consumed, the process of digestion and metabolism causes
'micronutrients' to be released.
Micronutrients include Vitamins + Minerals + Protein + Non-starch polysaccharides (fibre)
Micronutrients
Digestion breaks down the large molecules of a nutrient into smaller molecules in order that the body can make use of them effectively. If digestion is out of balance the so is everything else so it is good to focus on a healthy digestive system.
Cells along the inner wall of the stomach secrete hydrochloric acid to help kill bacteria and aid digestion. To protect itself from the corrosive acid, the stomach lining has a thick coating of mucous, which is replaced every two weeks.
Digestion starts when enzymes are released in the mouth. It continues in the stomach. Nutrients are absorbed from the small intestine into the blood stream or lymph system. These are then processed by appropriate organs and readied for use by the cells. Energy is generated through the metabolism of nutrients. Unwanted nutrients, toxins and waste are eliminated from the body.
Absorption - You are what you 'absorb'. This includes the good (vitamins, minerals and other nutrients) and the bad (environmental toxins, food additives, etc.) Thinks 'nutrients' not 'calories' as part of you of a balanced diet.
The less your body has of a specific nutrient, the more readily it will be absorbed. If you have a deficiency your body will aggressively absorbed that nutrient from it's food source. Generally, you don't need to worry about absorbing more nutrients than you need since your body constantly strives for homeostasis (a physiological term for balance). Our bodies want homeostasis rather than being 'boosted'.
Also required for balance are components - key ones include, vitamins - A, B, C, D; minerals - magnesium, calcium plus fibre and digestive enzymes -
protease (digestion of proteins and amino acids), Amylase (digestion of starch) and Lipase (digestion of fats and fatty acids).
A balanced diet is defined as having well proportioned amounts from all food groups.
Drink Enough Fluids
Just like running a car: fuel - like food, provides energy; whilst oil - like water, helps everything work properly.
Water is an Essential Nutrient
It makes up 50-70% of the human body and is needed 'daily'. Water helps kidneys to function normally and assists in the removal of waste products. Aim to consume 1ml of water for every calorie burned, i.e., 2,500 calorie diet requires 2.5 litres of water.
Vitamins are naturally occurring chemicals, essential for good health. They help sustain growth and development. They occur naturally in most foods and in the quantities we need. Many chemical reactions that take place in the body require vitamins. Vitamins do not provide energy (calories) but are essential links and regulators in the systems that do release energy. Vitamins are involved in building, repairing and maintaining healthy cells and tissue.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins are found mainly in fatty foods and animal products such as vegetable oils, milk and dairy foods, eggs, liver, oily fish and butter. While your body needs these vitamins every day, you do not need to eat foods containing them every day as your body stores these vitamins in your liver and fatty tissue for future use, for when you need them but need to consumed with fat in order for optimal absorption. Includes vitamins A, D, E & K
Vitamin A
Contributes to normal function and maintenance of the immune system, vision, skin, mucous membranes and iron metabolism. It also has a role in the process of cell specialisation. Found in foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy greens, winter squash, lettuce, dried apricots, cantaloupe melon, peppers, fish, liver and tropical fruits.
Vitamin E
Contributes to normal protection of cells from oxidative stress. Found in foods such as sunflower seeds, almonds, vegetable oils, spinach, Swiss chard, avocado, peanuts, turnip greens, asparagus and broccoli.
Vitamin D
Contributes to normal absorption/utilisation of calcium and phosphorus. Also supports maintenance of bones, & teeth, muscle function and immune system plus has a role in cell division. Found in foods such as fatty fish like tuna, mackerel and salmon plus foods fortified with vitamin D such as some dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, cereals, beef liver, cheese and egg yolk.
Vitamin K
Contributes to normal bones and blood clotting. Mainly synthesised in the gut by healthy bacteria. K1 found in foods such as vegetables / K2 (Mena Quinone) is found in dairy products.
Water-Soluble Vitamins are not stored in the body so you need to have them more frequently. Water-soluble vitamins are found in a wide range of foods including fruit, vegetables, potatoes, grains, milk and dairy foods. Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, water-soluble vitamins can be destroyed by heat or when exposed to the air. They can also be lost in the water used for cooking. Includes vitamins B & C
Vitamin B7 (Biotin) also known as Vitamin H
Contributes to normal psychological function; macronutrient metabolism; energy-yielding metabolism; maintenance of skin, hair and mucous membranes and functioning of the nervous system. Good sources include organ meats, egg yolks, soy beans, yeast and chicken liver.
Vitamin B8 (Inositol) Adenosine Monophosphate (AMP). As with choline, it is a precursor of phospholipids which are vital for the electrical current and nutrient transport across and within our body cells (aids metabolism of nutrients into energy). Closely linked to choline which contributes to the prevention of fatty build up in liver and heart, maintenance of liver function, promotes healthy hair growth, essential nutrient for the brain and vital for nerve transmission. Found in fruit, in particular oranges.
Vitamin B9 (Folate) from natural ingredients unlike synthetic Folic Acid
Contributes to normal blood formation, amino acid synthesis, homocysteine metabolism; immune system and psychological function; reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Plus has a role in the process of cell division. Good sources include dark leafy greens, asparagus, broccoli, citrus fruits, beans, peas, lentils, avocado, okra and Brussels sprouts.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism; reduction of tiredness and fatigue; function of immune system, nervous system and red blood cell formation; homocysteine metabolism, and psychological function. Plus has a role in the process of cell division. Good sources include meat, salmon, cod, shellfish, milk, cheese, eggs and some fortified cereals.
Vitamin C
Contributes to normal collagen for the function of skin, blood vessels, teeth, cartilage, bones and gums; nervous system and psychological function; maintenance of immune system; protection of cells from oxidative stress; reduction of tiredness and fatigue; normal energy-yielding metabolism;
increases iron absorption plus regeneration of reduced form of vitamin E; Vitamin C decomposes quickly. Found in foods such as potatoes, sweet potatoes. Morello cherries contain 30 times more vitamin C than an orange.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism; function of nervous system, heart and psychological function. Good food sources include yeast extract, fortified cereals, bran, wheat germ, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, spices, pine nuts and peanuts.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Contributes to normal function of nervous system, energy-yielding metabolism; reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Protection of cells from oxidative stress; maintenance of mucous membranes, red blood cells, vision and skin plus metabolism of iron. Good sources found in beef liver, lamb, milk, natural yoghurt, mushrooms, spinach, almonds, sun-fried tomatoes, salmon and eggs.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Contributes to normal psychological function, maintenance of skin, energy-yielding metabolism and mucous membrane, reduction of tiredness and fatigue; functioning of nervous system. Good sources include yeast, soy sauce, chia seeds, kidney beans, bran flakes, chicken, mushrooms and broccoli.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)
Contributes to normal mental performance and energy-yielding metabolism; reduction of tiredness and fatigue; synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D and some neurotransmitters. Good sources include chicken liver, sunflower seeds, salmon, avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, corn, broccoli, mushrooms, cauliflower and yoghurt.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism; reduction of tiredness and fatigue; protein and glycogen metabolism; function of the immune and nervous system; red blood cell formation; psychological function; regulation of hormonal activity; homocysteine metabolism; cysteine (amino acid) synthesis. Good sources include pork, poultry, fish, bread and whole cereals (such as oatmeal), wheat germ, brown rice, eggs, vegetables and soy beans.
Minerals, also called electrolytes, are crucial to the body's functioning. (Electrolytes are one of the first things routinely measured when a person is admitted to hospital). Plants obtain minerals from the soil and animals that feed on these plants also provide us with minerals. However balance is the key.
Some minerals function in pairs and an excess of one can cause a functional deficiency of another. In the body, if more of one of these minerals is present, less of it's paired mineral will make it into the cells. Calcium and magnesium is one such pair; sodium and potassium is another.
Minerals are needed for normal enzyme and cellular activity, function and composition of body tissues, fluids, bone, blood and skin. More than 100 milligrams of macronutrients are required p/day. Less than 100 milligrams of micro-minerals, known as trace minerals, are required p/day.
Calcium
Contributes to normal function and maintenance of bones and teeth. blood clotting; energy-yielding metabolism, muscle function, neurotransmission, digestive enzymes. Calcium also plays a role in the process of cell division and specialisation. It can help to reduce the loss of bone mineral in menopausal women and it is needed for normal growth and development of bone in children. Low bone mineral density is a risk fact for osteoporotic bone fractures. Calcium can be obtained from dark leafy vegetables, dairy and canned fish, white flour and bread, cereals, nuts, seeds and soya products such as tofu. Vitamin D is also needed for adequate absorption.
Sodium
Contributes to support normal functioning of nerves plus influences contraction and relaxation of muscles. Calcium can be found in bread and cheese plus in a condiment known as sea salt.
Potassium
Works together with sodium and also chloride for normal fluid balance. Contributes to normal functioning the nervous system, blood pressure and muscle function. Also supports storage of glycogen (body's main source of energy). Can be obtained from most foods, particularly fruit and vegetables. Bananas are one of the best sources (the riper banana has less potassium and more sugar) followed by apricots. Meat, fish and soya also contain potassium.
Magnesium
Works alongside potassium, sodium and calcium. Contributes to the normal reduction of tiredness and fatigue; electrolyte balance; energy-yielding metabolism; functioning of the nervous system, muscle function, protein synthesis and psychological function. Plus has a role in the process of cell division. A good source is meat, wholegrain cereals, nuts and seeds, spinach, broccoli, green beans, cucumber and celery.
Zinc
Contributes to support normal function and maintenance of DNA synthesis, acid-base metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, cognetive function, macronutrient metabolism, metabolism of fatty acids, metabolism of vitamin A, protein synthesis, bones, hair, nails, skin, testosterone levels in the blood, vision, immune system plus protection of cells from oxidative stress and has a role in the process of cell division.
Iron
Iron is found in every human cell. It is an important component of haemoglobin and myoglobin plus gives them their oxygen-carrying capability. Contributes to normal cognitive function (memory, attention, language, reasoning, knowledge); energy-yielding metabolism; formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin, oxygen transport in the body function of the immune system, reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Also has a role in the process of cell division. Rich sources are found in red meat and offal, cereals, bread, flour and vegetables. The iron found in meat (haem iron), is better than the form found in plant sources.
Copper
Contributes to support normal function and maintenance of connective tissues, energy-yielding metabolism, nervous system, hair and skin pigmentation, iron transport in the body, immune system and protection of cells from oxidative stress.
Manganese
Contributes to support normal function and maintenance of energy-yielding metabolism, bones, formation of connective tissue and protection of cells from oxidative stress.
Selenium
Contributes to support normal function and maintenance of spermatogenesis, hair, nails, immune system, thyroid and the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
Chromium
Contributes to support normal function and maintenance of macronutrient metabolism and blood glucose levels.
Molybdenum
Contributes to normal sulphur amino acid metabolism.
Iodine
Contributes to the normal function and maintenance of cognitive function, energy-yielding metabolism, nervous system, skin; production of thyroid hormones and thyroid function.
Other minerals are: phosphorous and fluoride
The Three Omegas
The Three Omegas - Understanding the roles of Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9
It has been shown that 20-30% of our energy comes from these fats. It has been reported that we should be looking to avoid saturated and trans (bad) fats and replace with monounsaturated fats - heart healthy fats.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
A type of polyunsaturated fat considered essential for human health because the body cannot manufacture these and must be obtained from food.
It has been reported that the majority of our diets no longer contain the amount of omega-3 fatty acids needed by our bodies for overall health and wellness.
Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to correcting imbalances in modern diets that lead to health problems. Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke and cancer, as well as reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol and inflammation.
Omega-3 fatty acids come in multiple forms:
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ALA (alpha-linolenic acid): This 18-carbon fatty acid can be converted into EPA and DHA, although the process is not very efficient. ALA is mainly used by the body for energy. A diet high in ALA can help reduce risk of heart disease and stroke by lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels; enhancing the elasticity of blood vessels and preventing build-up of harmful fat deposits in the arteries. ALA can be found in foods such as
flaxseed, canola, soybean oils and walnuts.
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EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid): This 20-carbon fatty acid's main function is to produce chemicals called eicosanoids, which help reduce inflammation.
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DHA (docosahexaenoic acid): This 22-carbon fatty acid makes up about 8% of brain weight and is extremely important for normal brain development and function. A DHA-rich diet has been shown to help protect against retina degeneration and increase problem solving skills.
Diets high in EPA and DHA can help with brain
and eye development, help reduce cardiovascular
disease plus Alzheimer’s disease. EPA & DHA can
be found in fatty fish sources such as herring,
mackerel, salmon, tuna and trout.
Omega 6 Fatty Acids
Polyunsaturated fats, also 'essential' for human health because the body cannot synthesise them and must be obtained by consuming foods such as meat, poultry and eggs, as well as nut- and plant-based oils, including canola, corn, soybean and sunflower oils.
These fats are primarily used for energy. However these have shown benefits in treating symptoms of chronic disease. The modern Western diet contains far more omega-6 fatty acids than necessary. Therefore, although omega-6 fats are essential in the right quantities, most people in the developed world should aim to reduce their omega-6 intake so there should be no need to supplement this fatty acid.
Omega-6 fatty acids also come in multiple forms:
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LA (linoleic acid) is found in canola, corn, peanut, safflower, soybean and sunflower oils. Excessive amounts of linoleic acid can actually contribute to inflammation and result in heart disease, cancer, asthma, arthritis and depression.
LA can be converted into longer omega-6 fats
such as:
-
GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) is mostly delivered in nutritional supplements such as evening primrose oil and borage oil. When consumed, much of it is converted to another fatty acid called (DGLA) dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid .
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ARA (arachidonic acid) is found in red meat, poultry and eggs and is used to produce eicosanoids. However, the eicosanoids produced by ARA are more pro-inflammatory. Whilst pro-inflammatory eicosanoids are important chemicals in the immune system, when too many of them are produced, they can actually increase inflammation and inflammatory disease.
-
(CLA) conjugated-linoleic acid is another form of omega-6 fat that has some health benefits. For example, effectively reducing body fat mass in humans.
Whilst excessive amounts of Omega 6 may contribute to inflammation in a negative form, the hormones derived from omega-6 fatty acids (tending to increase inflammation) are still an important component of the immune response, blood clotting, and cell proliferation.
Obtaining a balance between Omega 3 and Omega 6 is the essential key to allow substances to work together to promote health.
Omega 9 Fatty Acids
A from a family of unsaturated fats commonly found in vegetable oils. These monounsaturated fats are not classed as ‘essential’ because, unlike omega-3 and omega-6, these can be produced by our body so are not 'essential' but they are most beneficial when obtained in food.
The primary omega-9 fatty acid is oleic acid. Commonly found in canola, olive, mustard,
peanut, safflower and sunflower oils; avocados, olives and nuts, including: almonds, cashews, macadamias, peanuts, pecans, pistachios and walnuts.
This monounsaturated fat can help reduce key factors that contribute to heart disease and research has shown that omega-9 fatty acids are protective against metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Because shown to increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol and decrease LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, they can help eliminate plaque build-up in the arteries and reduce plasma triglycerides and (VLDL) very low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol in people with diabetes and that humans who ate high-monounsaturated fat diets had less inflammation and better insulin sensitivity than those who ate diets high in saturated fat.
Omega-9s are found in animal fats and vegetable oils, yet most notably olive oil. Interestingly, the oil made by our skin glands is the same omega-9 fatty acid found abundantly in olive oil: oleic acid.
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Digestive Enzymes
Enzymes -
Enzymes are essential elements in our body and are an absolute necessity to live. They are responsible for constructing, synthesising, carrying, dispensing, delivering, and eliminating the many ingredients and chemicals our body uses in its daily business of living.
Poor dietary habits, excessive intake of fat and sugars, all require excessive amounts of enzymes to digest our foods. Stress kills and damages cells, resulting in our enzymes having to work overtime to help rebuild and replace them. Environmental pollution causes cellular damage requiring on-going assistance from enzymes to maintain a healthy immune system. Time and the process of living uses up enzymes that must be replaced if we expect to retain the healthy active lifestyle.
Our body's cells are programmed to direct each nutrient to combine and interact with other nutrients and chemicals to create other chemicals and compounds which, in turn, are used to build and repair the body's cells, bones, tissue, and organs - this is called metabolism. Each metabolic reaction is started, controlled, and terminated by enzymes. Without enzymes, no metabolic activity will occur. A body that does not consistently and efficiently metabolise essential food nutrients necessary cannot maintain optimum health.
Co-enzymes are organic molecules that are required by certain enzymes to carry out catalysis, the increase in the rate of a chemical reaction due to the participation of an additional substance called a catalyst, which is not consumed in the catalyzed reaction and can continue to act repeatedly
Three main types of digestive enzymes are: Protease, Amylase and Lipase. When all of these enzymes are at the proper level in your body, your digestion and overall health can really be optimal.
Protease - aids digestion of proteins
Protease (also known as a proteolytic enzyme, peptidase or proteinase) is a type of enzyme that functions mainly to help us digest different kinds of proteins.
They break down the bonds by a process known as hydrolysis and convert proteins into smaller chains called peptides or even smaller units called amino acids.
The Health Benefits of Protease:
Proteolytic enzymes are extremely important for the digestion of many foods but their intestinal duties are not solely limited to digesting food. They also digest the cell walls of unwanted harmful organisms in the body and break down unwanted wastes such as toxins, cellular debris and undigested proteins.
Commonly found in plant sources like papaya and pineapple, proteases also play a key role in many physiological processes. Proteins have a complex folded structure requiring these types of enzymes to disassemble the molecule in very specific ways. Without proteases the intestinal lining would not be able to digest proteins.
Amylase - aids digestion of starch
The primary type of amylase is known as alpha amylase, which hydrolyses (breaks down) the bonds in long starch or glycogen molecules into smaller chains of glucose called dextrins, which are easier to digest.
Amylase helps relieve the burden of digestion on the small intestine by breaking down food particles while still in the mouth. In this way, amylase helps the entire functioning of the digestive system.
Most people become deficient in amylase production and may show signs of deficiency including skin rash, allergies, gas, constipation, mood imbalances and general digestive upset. Having sufficient amylase activity helps the body digest and excrete dead white blood cells. Without proper amylase activity, irritation can be excessive. Low amylase may be a factor in a variety of diseases including type II diabetes, blood sugar imbalances, hypoglycemia, carbohydrate and sugar cravings, and many forms of food sensitivities.
Amylase may help to lower Autoimmune Responses and help slow the aggregations of antigens (molecules that trigger immune responses), as well as resulting tissue damage from the heightened conglomeration of antibodies (immune system proteins that neutralize foreign cells); and may help resistance to swelling/redness; and reduce aging effects
Natural dietary sources of Amylase include raw fruits and vegetables, sprouted seeds, nuts, legumes, whole grains. Royal jelly is another excellent source.
Other enzymes noted to be in the recommended top ten are:
Alpha-galactosidase - aids digestion of carbohydrates in legumes that cause flatulence
Cellulase - aids digestion of cellulose (fiber) in fruits, vegetables and grass seeds
Glucoamylase - aids digestion on maltose, the sugars in grains
Invertase - aids digestion of sucrose (sugar)
Lactase - aids digestion of lactose (milk sugar)
Malt diastase - aids digestion of carbohydrates
Peptidase - aids digestion of casein and gluten
Some other enzymes noted to aid digestion of plant fibers are:
Xylanase, Hemicellulase, Hemicellose and Phylase
Pectinase - aids digestion of Pectin
Beta-glucanase - aids digestion of fiber in yeast.
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Lipase - aids digestion of fats and fatty acids
Lipase is one of our most vital digestive enzymes
released mainly by the pancreas into the small intestine to help the body process and absorb fats.
By breaking down and helping the body to absorb fat,
it can naturally help digestive disorders like celiac disease and serious health conditions like cystic fibrosis and more common disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Lipase hydrolyzes fats like triglycerides into their component fatty acid and glycerol molecules. It is found in the blood, gastric juices, pancreatic secretions, intestinal juices and adipose tissues.
Your body uses triglycerides for energy and you do need some triglycerides for good health. However, high triglyceride levels can raise your risk for heart disease and can also be a sign of metabolic syndrome and why important to have lipase doing its job!
Food sources shown to contain Lipase are avocado, walnuts, pine nuts, coconuts, lupini beans, lentils, chick peas, mung beans, oats and egg plant.
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Hormone Balance
Hormone Balance -
Nutrition is also essential for hormone balance and hormone balance is fundamental to all the systems of your body. Hormones are the body's chemical messengers and the body secretes and circulates around 50 different hormones - regulating processes such as hunger, blood pressure and sexual drive.
The gut is the largest endocrine organ in the body and synthesises and secretes more than 20 hormones which play a role in appetite, satiety and metabolism so maintaining a healthy gut is vital for hormone balance.
Hormone Providing Glands each hormone providing gland makes a hormone with a very special purpose:
Hypothalamus - regulates temperature, hunger, mood, thirst, sleep and libido
Pituitary - 'wizard of Oz gland' - controlling other essential glands
Parathyroid - regulates calcium
Pancreas - produces insulin to help us use food as energy
Thyroid - regulates heart beat and how calories are used. Balancing foods include: seaweed, brazil nuts, sardines, spinach and quinoa
Adrenal - produce stress hormones. Balancing foods include: bell peppers, kale, avocado, almonds, pumpkin seed, eggs and millet
Pineal - produces melatonin to help regulate our body clock
Ovaries - secrete sex hormones for use in reproduction cycle
Testes - produces testosterone and sperm
Balancing foods for reproductive hormones include: flaxseeds, wild salmon, broccoli, lentils, sunflower seeds and sweet potatoes
Necessary Hormones our bodies depend on hormones to function, an imbalance can negatively affect our health.
Fat and cholesterol are building blocks of hormones. Select high Omega3 fats and limit saturated fats. Pesticides have been shown to disrupt hormones so avoid high pesticide fruit and vegetables. Diets high in fiber can help clear excess hormones.
Metabolism hormones:
Insulin - released from the pancreas, taking glucose (sugars) from blood to cells for energy and is responsible for storing sugar as fat
Leptin - 'satiety hormone' - controls appetite, maintain weight and tells brain you are full. (Avoid leptin resistance which is unstable blood sugar levels (Gluconeogenesis - breakdown of muscle mass/protein - which can contribute to premature ageing and rapid health decline)
Ghrelin - 'hunger hormone' - responsible for stimulating appetite
Thyroid - triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) - responsible for regulating weight, energy, temperature, growth of hair, skin and nails
Stress and Mood hormones
Cortisol - released in times of stress and increases heart rate
Epinephrine - associated with adrenaline 'fight of flight hormone', released in times of stress and increases heart rate
Melatonin - 'sleep-inducing hormone' released at night and prepares body for sleep - supports our body clock
Reproductive System hormones
Androgens - made from cholesterol. Higher levels than normal can contribute to excess hair growth, acne, irregular or absent periods and infertility
Progesterone - promotes pregnancy
Estrogen - associated with menstruation but also impacts a number of bodily functions, including bone development and brain, cardiovascular and urinary tract health. (More than any other hormone, estrogen impacts the way we look as it impacts body fat consumption and even the health of skin and hair)
Forever Living Products understand hormone balance
Forever identified the benefits of vitamins B5, B6, B9, B12, C, D and E; minerals Iodine, Iron, Selenium and Zinc plus ancient herbs such as Passionflower, Schisandra berries, Peruvian Maca and powerful formulas such as Q10 and L'Arginine to be beneficial for hormone balance. Understanding that individuals may require a different combination, there is a range of supplements to suit everyone.
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The nutritional power of black cumin seed alongside the health benefits of berries has also been shown to have helped with hormone balance. But has mainly been seen to be extremely beneficial with the calming anti-inflammatory side to Premenstrual Syndrome.
Chilternway
Natural Health
