Part 1 in the Series: Your Hormones; Your Body; Your Health

By Natasha Turner ND

It may require a stretch of your imagination to realize that one of the most fundamental determining factors of our health are the chemical signals traveling from cell to cell. But, it’s true. These infinitesimal compounds called hormones determine the function of our immune system, mood, sleeping patterns, amount of inflammation, joint health, water balance, appetite, memory and concentration, cravings, skin tone and complexion, stress response and resiliency, and even our future risk of disease. Phew!

Hormones are also crucial to the amount of body fat we have as well as where we tend to carry it. Ah, now I have your attention, don’t I?

The influential factors on hormonal balance
Just like hormones determine many of the bodily processes and functions listed above, several factors influence hormonal balance. Our environment, dietary habits, genetic makeup, amount of rest, stress managing abilities and amount of exercise alter hormones. Even the thoughts we are thinking from one minute to the next manipulates hormone levels; feel good hormones like serotonin and dopamine raise with happy thoughts and memories while stress hormones surge with anxiety, worries and fears. What’s more, fluctuations in hormonal levels are not independent of others. As one rises, another tends to decline or rise in an attempt to maintain balance in the body. This means conditions associated with hormonal imbalance like hypothyroidism, PMS, depression, insomnia, and often weight gain must be considered in their hormonal totality, not only on the primary imbalance.  For instance, in hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone is replaced, but the imbalance of cortisol, progesterone, estrogen, and insulin that so often accompanies this condition must not be ignored.

Hormones and body fat
Hips, thighs, tummy, triceps, or how about that nice “bra fat”, you know it – on the sides of your back; the rolls that hug nicely around your bra strap that are oh so sexy. All of these storage sites are influenced by our hormones and of course, our genetics. This concept, that the type and amount of hormones present determine where we tend to carry our fat, is not new. There is plenty of research to support the influence of hormones on fat deposition. Case in point, studies have found increased fat deposits on the back of the arm (over the triceps) as well as love handle area are linked to high levels of insulin and to a future risk of type 2 diabetes.  While other studies have supported that high levels of the stress hormone cortisol is associated with increased abdominal fat.

The key to your weight loss plan is to determine your current hormonal state
Weight loss is a delicate process, dependant upon healthy hormonal balance. I believe your key to successful weight loss is to identify your current state of hormonal imbalance through proper assessment, which then allows the formulation of a strategic formula for weight loss success. Let’s consider five formulations for some of the main hormones that influence body composition:

1. Insulin: A signal in the body which allows glucose from the food consumed to enter our cells to be used as fuel. These sugars, if not used or burned off, will be stored as fat.  In this sense, insulin tells our body to store fat. When insulin levels are too high, weight tends to accumulate in the “love handles” area around the waist.  This poses a serious long-term health risk as excess weight around the middle is associated with increased risk of diabetes and heart disease.  A fasting insulin and glucose test is a good test to have completed by your doctor if you suspect you may have abnormally high insulin levels causing weight gain. High triglycerides, cholesterol and/or blood pressure may also accompany this picture of imbalance. 

Your weight loss solution:
• Complete a mixture of resistance training and cardiovascular exercise, like circuit training.
• Take CLA, 1500mg twice per day. This supplement improves the body’s response to insulin, thereby lowering insulin levels.
• Consider a supplement of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) 200mg twice per day and have a whey protein shake for breakfast most days of the week.
• Balance your protein and carbohydrates 1:1 for your three meals and two snacks each day and consider a fiber supplement like PGX from Natural Factors, which has been found to improve insulin sensitivity.
• Increase cinnamon in your diet, it’s great for insulin response.
• Drink four cups of green tea each day to improve fat burning and glucose regulation in the body.

2. Thyroid hormone: The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate the metabolism of every single cell in the body. If thyroid levels are low, metabolism will be slower and there will be a tendency to gain weight and body fat—sometimes even with proper diet and exercise. TSH, Free T3, Free T4 and thyroid antibodies are the tests that should be completed by your doctor to determine a deficiency of thyroid hormone.

Your weight loss solution:
• Tyrosine 1000–2000mg per day may increase the level of thyroid hormone, as it is necessary for the production of the hormone in the body.
• Selenium 200mcg per day is essential for thyroid hormone action in the body. Other antioxidants such as vitamin E, zinc, magnesium and vitamin A are also important for healthy thyroid function.
• Ashwaganda 750 mg twice per day also helps to improve thyroid hormone levels as well as balance stress hormones. High levels of stress hormone inhibit the function of thyroid hormone in the body.

3. Sex hormones
o Estrogen and progesterone: Estrogen naturally causes water retention and increased body fat, especially around the hips and thighs, whereas progesterone has the opposite effect. 

Women suffering from PMS, uterine fibroids, fibrocystic breast, abnormal pap smears, ovarian cysts, stress, anxiety or depression may have abnormally high estrogen levels compared to levels of progesterone.  It is essential that abnormal levels of estrogen are addressed early, as menopausal changes may be problematic and also contributes to an increased risk of breast cancer and other hormonally related cancers.

Your weight loss solution:
• Indol 3 carbinol—200mg twice per day with meals. This product assists with healthy hormonal balance by reducing the amount of harmful estrogen metabolites in the body.
• Calcium d-glucarate—500mg twice per day. This product is essential for the proper breakdown and elimination of hormones in the liver.
• Consider a natural progesterone cream to boost progesterone levels. This should be used in the second half of the menstrual cycle only (from ovulation at day 14 to the first day of bleeding on day 28). See your MD or ND to properly diagnose a deficiency of progesterone and for the prescription of the cream.
• Ensure adequate fiber intake, replace healthy bacteria levels by taking acidophilus supplements, consume 2 -3 tbsp of ground flaxseeds each day and aim for one serving of soy each day as well. All of these are crucial for healthy estrogen levels in the body as the bacteria and fiber in the bowel are involved in the process of estrogen metabolism and soy is a source of phytoestrogens.

o Testosterone: In men and women declining levels of testosterone can contribute to decreased muscle mass, decreased bone mass, increased body fat, decreased energy and motivation, as well as a low libido. A free and total testosterone blood test is what you should have completed by your doctor to properly diagnose a deficiency of testosterone.  
Your weight loss solution:
o To increase testosterone, be sure to include weight training in your exercise program and get sufficient sleep.
o If a deficiency is diagnosed by your doctor, compounded testosterone cream can be prescribed to you. Always go for follow-up testing in one month to ensure you’re not getting too much testosterone.
o An herb which may raise testosterone is Tribulus Terresteris while another herb, Maca is hormone balancing and regulating. 
o Chrysin may prevent the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, thereby regulating levels of both hormones. Ground flaxseeds (2–3 tbsp per day) may also support this process. Both of these compounds are referred to as natural aromatase inhibitors because of their ability to block this metabolic pathway and are potent protectors against breast cancer. Chrysin can also help reduce the side effects associated with getting too much testosterone.

4. Cortisol: Cortisol is the hormone responsible for helping us deal with long-term stress, as compared to adrenalin which is involved in the immediate response to stress.  An elevated cortisol level destroys muscle fibers, suppresses immunity, affects memory and concentration, can weaken bone mineral density and contributes to cancer. It can cause increased body fat, particularly around the abdomen, by adversely affecting blood sugar and insulin levels. High levels of cortisol are also very detrimental because it leads to other hormonal imbalances. There are several ways you can diagnose an excess of stress hormone with your doctor. Tests can be completed through the saliva, blood or urine. Do not leave your stress unattended, it is the most harmful factor in your life.

Your weight loss soulution:
• Relora—250 mg taken 2–3 times per day will reduce your cortisol and increase DHEA which counteracts the negative affects of high cortisol levels.
• Milk protein hydrolysate—A product called Seraine from Dolisos is an all natural dietary supplement to address the symptoms of stress safely and without side effects. It works quickly and is effective at only 1-2 pills per day. Milk protein hydrolysate blocks the release of stress hormones by reducing the hormonal signal from the pituitary gland to the adrenals, which causes the adrenals to produce stress hormones.
• Phosphatidylserine—this product negates the bad effects of stress hormone on the muscles and the brain cells. Taken before bed, 100mg of this product may be calming and improve your sleep too!
• Incorporate yoga and/or pilates into your workout regime to lower cortisol while still working to increase muscle strength.

5. Serotonin: Our “happy hormone,” serotonin controls appetite and cravings. If levels are low, cravings for carbohydrates tend to be stronger.  To achieve the optimal hormonal balance for weight loss, a number of factors must be considered, such as proper diet, sleep, supplements, exercise and mental attitude. 

Your weight loss solution:
• 5 HTP—This is a precursor to serotonin, which means when you take it, your body will make it into serotonin. This product is often used to assist with carbohydrate cravings, binge eating, anxiety, depression and insomnia all of which are symptoms commonly associated with low levels of serotonin. The typical dose is 50–200mg per day.
• Relora—This product lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol. When cortisol is high, serotonin levels most often are low.

With a thorough assessment you can determine which type of imbalance, if any, may be the cause of your weight problem. If you are not reaching your weight loss goals, don’t get frustrated or give up.  Weight loss is difficult to achieve without support or proper guidance.  Remember, you are where you are right now because of the choices you have made yesterday.  I encourage you to do something different today to create a new tomorrow. 

—Dr. Turner has a book coming out on hormones and weight loss next year—so keep an eye out!