Dr. Orbeck Discusses Hormones with HealthLinks Magazine, Part 2: How Hormones are Impacted by Lifestyle Choices & Experiences
Dr. Kenneth Orbeck and the Regenerative Medical Institute team take pride in being hormonal specialists who identify specific needs to help patients maintain health and vitality. Dr. Orbeck recently shared some of his expertise in a Q&A session with HealthLinks Magazine. The following information has been edited for clarity, and additional information has been included for more context. This article discusses the impacts of how lifestyle choices and experiences impact the hormonal response.
How does nutrition play a role in hormonal balance?
What we put in our bodies as fuel is critical to energy and vitality, which requires good food choices. Limiting processed foods and choosing foods that are rich in nutrition with limited
additives give the body the fuel it needs for metabolism. Certain foods can increase levels of hormones that impact appetite, blood sugar levels, mood, and energy. Symptoms of hormonal imbalance include weight fluctuation, moodiness, and lethargy. Limiting bad fats reduces oxidative stress and also plays a role in our cardiovascular health. Oxidative stress can damage cells and DNA, which contributes to the signs of aging.
How does stress impact hormones?
Limiting unnecessary stress is critical in our adrenal response in the production of cortisol. Adrenal glands produce hormones that regulate various functions in the body, including a response to stress. The hormones released through the adrenal glands include adrenaline and cortisol. Cortisol is the primary stress hormone, and while it plays key roles in the body, too much of it can have detrimental effects.
What other factors can impact hormones?
Environment
Hormones play in important role in regulating our cognitive function as well as
our bodies’ physical abilities. Toxins such as pollution, chemicals, toxic metals, and food additives (preservatives, dyes, artificial colors and flavors) play a role in neuroinflammatory response. Neuroinflammation is the swelling of the brain or spinal cord, as a way of responding to various irritants.
Exercise
Exercise is critical in maintaining one’s health and has a direct effect on hormonal response as well. Aerobic activity when combined with strength training offers enhanced blood flow, cardiovascular protection, muscle growth and development, and optimal skeletal strength. This helps to release a steady flow of hormones throughout the body.
Sleep
Sleep and hormones are closely linked, and it’s important to understand how they impact each other. Proper sleep hygiene is very important, as most of our regenerative pathways
occur during the sleep process. Regeneration is the body’s way of restoring damaged cells and tissues. A good night’s sleep helps to produce and regulate certain hormones in the body. Poor sleep habits cause the body to over or under produce hormones, which can lead to health issues. An imbalance of hormones can also cause difficulty sleeping, thus repeating the cycle.
Hormonal health can be maintained and optimized throughout your lifetime. Maintaining excellent lifestyle practices such as exercise, proper diet, proper sleep, and eliminating toxic substances all help with hormonal balance and metabolic health. Dr. Orbeck dedicates his practice to helping women and men find relief from hormonal imbalances using a personal, functional approach to wellness, combining customized nutrition and fitness regimens with bioidentical hormone therapy.
