Pick your Poison ☠️
When it comes to maintaining hormonal balance, it's important to be mindful of the substances we consume. Alcohol, caffeine, and chemicals found in various products can have a significant impact on our hormonal health. Understanding how these substances affect our bodies can help us make informed choices and prioritize our well-being.
Let's start with alcohol. While moderate alcohol consumption may not have a drastic effect on hormonal health, excessive drinking can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones in our bodies. Alcohol can interfere with the production and regulation of hormones such as oestrogen, testosterone, and cortisol. This disruption can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, decreased fertility, and hormonal imbalances. We see these effects manifest as the liver prioritises the processing of alcohol above sorting out our hormones. Leading to higher levels of toxic oestrogen, testosterone and cortisol our stress hormone. For women we can see testosterone levels especially rise with the regular consumption of beer as it impacts an enzyme called aromatase which converts oestrogen to testosterone. I would definitely recommend that women avoid beer due to this, especially if you have PCOS and a tendency to higher levels of testosterone. Other types of alcohol to stay away from are sugary cocktails and especially espresso martinis, which combine all the bad things sugar, alcohol and caffeine. It's a hellava combo which also disrupts your sleep patterns (I may or may not have fallen victim to this lately 🤪).
Healthier choices include wine, champagne, clear spirits like vodka, gin or tequila with low sugar mixers such as kombucha, soda, lime or a cocktail such as a classic margarita. When choosing wine or champagne check out the organic section, often the higher priced ones are lower in preservatives and salicylates which your body can process more effectively. So how much is too much?? To keep the balance I wouldn't recommend more than 4-5 drinks / week and preferably not all at once 😂 Also keep in mind that during your luteal phase, which is in-between ovulation and your next period your liver is really busy processing your higher levels of oestrogen and progesterone. So it's a good idea to avoid alcohol completely in this time if you're working on your hormonal health.
Caffeine, a stimulant found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some medications, can also affect hormonal health. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, which can trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels can disrupt the balance of other hormones in the body, potentially leading to issues such as adrenal fatigue and disrupted sleep patterns. It's important to consume caffeine in moderation and be aware of its potential impact on hormonal health. 1 coffee / day is fairly negligible when it comes to your hormones and your adrenals, so long as you're having it in the morning, but not on an empty stomach.
Chemicals found in everyday products, such as cosmetics, cleaning supplies, and plastics, can also have a significant impact on hormonal health. Many of these chemicals, known as endocrine disruptors, can mimic or interfere with the body's natural hormones. They can disrupt the normal functioning of the endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalances and related health issues. It's crucial to be mindful of the products we use and opt for natural, chemical-free alternatives whenever possible. I love the Yuka app to scan products and get a better understanding of the ingredients they contain and how to make healthier choices.
So, what can we do to protect our hormonal health? Firstly, it's important to consume alcohol in moderation and be mindful of its potential effects on hormonal balance. Limiting caffeine intake and opting for decaffeinated alternatives can also help maintain hormonal equilibrium. Additionally, choosing products that are free from harmful chemicals and opting for natural alternatives can reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors. Also using Fem21 regularly to support your hormonal health, liver detoxification, and adrenal function is a game changer for helping you to keep the balance.
It's worth noting that individual responses to alcohol, caffeine, and chemicals may vary. Some individuals may be more sensitive to these substances, while others may be less affected. Consulting with a healthcare professional or a Naturopath that specialises in hormonal health can provide personalized guidance and recommendations.
By being aware of the impact of alcohol, caffeine, and chemicals on hormonal health, we can make informed choices that support our overall well-being. Prioritizing a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, and minimizing exposure to substances that can disrupt hormonal balance can contribute to optimal hormonal health.
Meah Robertson. - BHSc. (nat).