A disturbing phenomenon has been increasing in our society over the last few decades, resulting in a myriad of unexplained symptoms and complaints. 

These can include things like weight gain, low libido, depression, fatigue, insomnia, and digestive problems. 

And if you go to a doctor with one or more of these complaints, you likely will be given medications such as antidepressants, sleep drugs or acid reducers.  

But this only multiplies your problems!   

Because in addition to your original issues, you will likely suffer side effects from the medications, plus the root cause of your symptoms remains ignored! 

And a very common underlying cause of symptoms like I’ve described is… 

Hormonal imbalances! 

Here’s why hormones can make you or break you in terms of health and how you can ensure your levels are where they need to be! 

Hormones—not just menopause anymore! 

When most people hear the word hormones, images of menopausal women with hot flashes come to mind. 

But that’s just the tip of the hormone iceberg! 

There have been over 200 hormones identified so far, and they control pretty much ALL of your body’s processes.  

So it’s no wonder that having too much or too little of any hormone will have serious health consequences!   

Here are some examples: 

• Too much estrogen (estrogen dominance) can cause panic attacks, anxiety and migraines. 
• Low thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) can cause weight gain, exhaustion and hair loss. 
• Insomnia can be caused by your pineal gland not producing enough melatonin. 
• Insufficient insulin production by your pancreas can lead to Type 2 diabetes. 
• High cortisol levels (due to stress) can cause depression, weakened immune function and digestive problems. 
• Low testosterone can cause fatigue, low libido, decreased muscle mass and increased body fat.   
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) can lead to infertility, weight gain, increased diabetes risk, acne, and abnormal hair growth (such as facial hair). 
• Decreased sex drive, reproductive issues, menstrual problems, and mood changes can be caused by low estrogen levels. 

Why are our hormones going so haywire? 

Now more than any other time in our existence, people are suffering from hormonal imbalances, and at younger ages too!  Instead of affecting people in their 50s and 60s we’re seeing them in our 20s and 30s. 

There are several factors that can cause hormonal imbalances including: 

• Chemicals like BPAs, BHC, PCBs, etc. in our environment 
• Hormones injected into the animals raised for our food supply, which in turn make their way into your body 
• Low-fat diets—because your body needs fats to make hormones 
• Prescription drugs—especially antibiotics, birth control pills and statins 
• Liver problems—because the liver is responsible for clearing old worn-out hormones from your body, as well as manufacturing cholesterol to make new hormones 
• Being overweight or obese (which presently describes about 3 out of 4 of us) 

But two of the most prevalent causes of hormonal problems are also things that are VERY common in our society today… 

Poor digestion and stress! 

Here’s the scoop: 

1- Poor digestion and hormones 

When your digestion isn’t going along so well, your system’s ability to absorb nutrients from your foods is greatly reduced.  Since your body needs nutrients to make hormones, bad digestion puts you behind the 8-ball and can cause hormonal imbalances! 

In addition, poor digestion can result in chronic constipation, which in turn can mean that old hormones your body is trying to eliminate with your BMs are instead reabsorbed into circulation through the intestinal wall, creating imbalances and hyperstimulation.   

But the good news is, it’s not difficult to create better digestion.  You just need to tweak your meals a bit and ensure you have enough enzymes for the job! 

Here’s how: 

Your meals 

Pair proteins with non-starchy vegetables, green salads and healthy fats.  This will make your stomach’s initial breakdown of your foods MUCH easier and set the stage for smoother digestion.  

At the same time, try to avoid sugars and starches (which turn to sugar upon digestion).  These feed harmful yeasts in the gut and create imbalances in the microbiome, which can impact your digestion, absorption of nutrients, and even your immune function.  And they also pack the pounds on you too. 

Enzymes 

Enzyme shortages are also a growing concern.  People who have highly processed and fast food diets have expended WAY more enzymes than Nature ever intended them to, and can be running short as a result.   

Plus the elderly and people who have had gastric or gallbladder surgery are very prone to deficiencies.   

If you think you may be low in enzymes, then a complete enzyme formula like Digestizol Max can be the answer to your prayers! 

Digestizol Max’s 15 plant-derived enzymes work right alongside your body’s own enzymes to completely and thoroughly break down everything you eat, and leave you comfortable and pain-free after eating! 

2- Stress—the pregnenolone “hog” 

Pregnenolone is your body’s “molding clay” for many of your hormones, and your body divvies it up as it’s needed to make various hormones. 

EXCEPT when you are stressed! 

Stress hormones trump ALL other types of hormones in your body.  So if you’re under chronic stress, your adrenals “hog” all of your pregnenolone to make the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol… 

Leaving little or none for your other hormonal needs! 

If stress is a regular thing for you, it’s time to find ways to chill out.  (Keep in mind regular exercise is a great stress reducer!)   

Also try prayer, meditation, deep breathing, acupuncture, yoga and massage. 

In addition, adaptogen herbs like ashwagandha (found in our very own Ashwa Blend Gummies) can promote hormonal balance and protect against a wide variety of diseases, including those caused by chronic stress.  

Research has shown that ashwagandha can: 

• Improve thyroid function 
• Support healthy lipid levels 
• Combat anxiety and depression 
• Stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels 
• Support adrenal function 
• Support sexual and reproductive health 

Ashwa Blend Gummies provides 50 mg of 30:1 extract (i.e.: 1,500 mg) ashwagandha, along with 200 mcg of Vitamin D, which is another crucial nutrient during times of stress! 

Other hints for healthy hormones 

Your doctor can do a complete hormone panel to see where you stand.  If he doesn’t offer it, ask about it. 

If you find you need hormonal “assistance” consider bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.  Your body has a much easier time assimilating bioidentical hormones (versus synthetic hormones) because they are natural and molecularly identical to hormones created by your body. 

Get enough healthy fats!  Your body’s ability to produce hormones is dependent on having enough fats for “raw materials.”  Healthy fats include real butter (never, EVER margarine), olive oil, coconut oil, nuts, eggs, avocado, wild caught fish, poultry and beef.      

Also consider acupuncture!  Acupuncture can help balance the energy flows within your body and get your hormones back on track.   

Help support your body’s healthy hormone levels and see how much better you can feel! 

To your health, 

Sherry Brescia