If sugar cravings are derailing your health goals, you're not alone. Understanding the root causes is the first step to overcoming them. Here are the top five hormonal causes of sugar cravings, and how you can address them to reclaim control over your health. Top 5 Hormonal Causes of Sugar Cravings 1. Blood Sugar Imbalances Consuming high amounts of sugar or refined carbohydrates can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, followed by rapid drops. These fluctuations lead to increased hunger and sugar cravings as your body seeks quick energy to stabilize blood sugar levels. Over time, repeated spikes can contribute to insulin resistance, where your cells become less responsive to insulin. This not only perpetuates cravings but can also lead to fatigue and weight gain. How to Fix It: 2. Stress When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that signals your liver to release glucose for energy. This disrupts your blood sugar balance and can trigger cravings for sugary or high-carb foods. Chronic stress can exacerbate this cycle, leaving you stuck in a loop of stress-eating. How to Fix It: 3. Poor Sleep A lack of quality sleep disrupts the balance of hunger hormones—ghrelin (the hunger hormone) increases, while leptin (the satiety hormone) decreases. This leaves you feeling hungrier and craving quick energy in the form of sugar. How to Fix It: 4. Hormonal Shifts During Your Cycle Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone throughout your menstrual cycle can influence appetite, mood, and cravings. For many women, sugar cravings …
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November 28, 2024
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects about 1 in 15 women worldwide, making it the most common hormone-related condition among women of reproductive age. PCOS is characterized by an excess of androgens (male hormones), which can lead to symptoms such as irregular periods, infertility, weight gain, acne, and excessive facial or body hair growth. While conventional treatments like birth control pills and metformin are often recommended, many women seek natural alternatives to manage their PCOS. If you're one of them, you're in the right place! In this post, I'll share five effective diet and lifestyle strategies, along with five supplements, to help you manage PCOS naturally. What Is PCOS? PCOS is a hormonal disorder marked by increased levels of androgens and irregular menstrual cycles. Symptoms can include: Now, let’s dive into natural ways to manage PCOS through diet, lifestyle, and supplements. How to Treat PCOS Naturally Diet and Lifestyle Modification Quit Sugar Excessive sugar intake spikes insulin levels, which can worsen PCOS symptoms such as weight gain, cravings, and increased androgen production. Eating a whole foods diet rich in unprocessed foods (plant and animal-based products) can help minimize added sugars and support better blood sugar control. Insulin resistance is a primary driver of PCOS, and reducing sugar intake is crucial for managing this condition. Stop Eating Naked Carbs Eating carbohydrates without pairing them with protein, fat, or fiber can cause rapid blood sugar and insulin spikes. To stabilize blood sugar, make sure your meals include about …
November 14, 2024
Heavy periods, while common, can be overwhelming and significantly affect your quality of life. In this post, we’ll explore the common causes of heavy periods and share five natural strategies to help manage them. What Is Considered A Heavy Period? A normal menstrual flow should be bright red, mostly liquid, free of large clots, and not overly painful. On average, menstrual blood loss ranges between 25 to 80 ml throughout a cycle, with a fully soaked regular tampon or pad holding about 5 ml of blood and a super tampon holding about 10 ml. Heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, is defined as passing large amounts of blood, bleeding for more than seven days, or needing to change your pad or tampon every 1-2 hours. Key signs of heavy periods include: What Causes Heavy Periods? Heavy periods can occur during natural hormonal shifts, such as at the onset of menstruation (menarche) or during perimenopause. These stages are often characterized by low progesterone levels, leading to thicker uterine linings that result in heavier bleeding. While these are normal phases of life, treatment options can help support period health and reduce discomfort. Other common causes of heavy periods include hormonal imbalances from conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and thyroid disease: Additionally, other factors like bleeding disorders, uterine fibroids, iron deficiency, pelvic infections, certain medications, copper IUDs, and pregnancy complications can contribute to excessive menstrual flow. Natural Treatments for Heavy Periods Support Ovulation Ovulation plays a vital role in …