The Best Kept Secret About Hormones
Keith Giaquinto
DC
Hormones are produced by various glands in the body and are transported through the blood to regulate specific organ functions. They also greatly influence our mood and behavior. What is often forgotten is the right nutrients the body needs to produce our various hormones and what causes these glands to not produce enough hormones to meet physiological demands. The cause is stress, but specifically, chronic stress from a mechanical, emotional, and/or nutritional source.
Generally speaking, protein is needed to produce hormones made by the thyroid and adrenal glands. These glands are stimulated when we are under stress. Of course, we don’t even notice this occurring unless the stress is very strong, in situations like accidents or emergencies. Then, their overproduction to meet the crisis is noticeable, as in when you are shaking after an accident.
There are a few factors to keep in mind that can lead to inadequate hormonal production. First, not getting enough protein in the diet. Second, weak digestion leads to the inability to absorb protein. Both factors are easily recognized and are quite treatable. The third, however, is more problematic, most people are unaware of and not addressed. That is chronic, unremitting stress as a major factor in the patient’s life. The body’s ability to produce adequate hormones slowly becomes a factor and the patients’ symptoms, mood, and behavior become more amplified.
"There are a few factors to keep in mind that can lead to inadequate hormonal production.”
There is another hormonal system that is very commonly affected by stress and that is our system of reproductive hormones for both males and females. Unlike the thyroid and adrenal glands, our sex hormones are not directly stimulated by stress of any origin. These hormones are not dependent on an adequate source of protein. Rather they require fats, especially cholesterol.
This is where the plot thickens. When we are under chronic or sustained stress, the body begins to use fat for energy! That leaves less fat for sex hormone production. Chronic stress causes weak digestion and the inability to digest fat appropriately. For example, when we have biliary problems and stomach pain after consuming high fat meals, regardless whether we still have a gallbladder or if it has been surgically removed. This also occurs when we are on a ketogenic diet to lose weight. Our stored fat is being used for energy and is not as readily available for hormone production.
We can recognize fat deficiencies by the appearance of dry skin and excessive hair loss when brushing our hair. Reproductive hormone deficiencies can be expected in patients who complain of any the following symptoms:
Common male symptoms of inadequate reproductive hormone production:
• History of prostate disorders or medication
• Frequent night urination
• Dribbling
• Loss of sexual urge
• Discomfort radiating into the groin or testes
Common female symptoms of inadequate reproductive hormone production:
• H istory of hysterectomy or estrogen replacement therapy
• Vaginal discharge
• Excessive menstruation flow
• Loss of menstruation, scanty flow, irregular periods
• Symptoms of PMS
Homeostasis works in a predictable manner. There is a pecking order and hierarchy of which organ system needs what first. Health is about the cells and organs getting the right nutrients for energy production. They prefer carbohydrates first, then protein and ultimately fat as a last resort. But this pecking order for energy production goes out the window when the body is under chronic stress. Linder stress, carbohydrates are skipped and the body goes for protein for energy production. After the protein reserves at the cellular level are exhausted, then the body turn to fat. Protein and fat are used for many functions in the body, hormone production being one.
Here is the secret to hormonal balance so the body can express health. Identify the source of stress on your patient’s body and help them manage it better, first. This is the key. Then, adjust them, modify their diet, strengthen their digestion and hormonal system with enzyme nutrition and let the body do the rest. The body knows what to do and how to heal. It just needs the right mechanical, emotional, and nutritional support to do its job.
Keith Giaquinto, DC, has more than 12 years of clinical experience as a chiropractor and internal health specialist. He frequently lectures to companies and groups in his community on topics of health and wellness. He has created a new patient lecture system for growing your practice through lecturing. You can contact him at www.drkeithgiaquinto.com. For more information on seminars and food enzyme nutrition, chiropractors may call the Food Enzyme Institute at 800-662-2630 to set up an account.
