Diet and Digestion Resources

Like many other lifestyle factors, what we eat is closely connected to hormonal balance. Some nutrients, such as probiotics and vitamins, are essential to hormone production. Other foods, such as processed sugars and excess carbohydrates, may disrupt that delicate balance. The resources on this page describe just a few of the ways that hormones and diet are connected, including the effects on the human microbiome and “gut” health, weight fluctuations, and the risk of various diseases.

blood sugar and the aging brain

DIGESTION

The digestive system, or gastrointestinal (GI) tract, absorbs nutrients necessary to keep the body healthy while rejecting or dispelling substances that are toxic.

6-week cure for the middle-aged middle

BOOK REVIEW – THE 6-WEEK CURE FOR THE MIDDLE-AGED MIDDLE

Weight gain is commonplace as we age, even with no changes in diet or exercise. This weight gain is often the abdominal obesity associated with heart disease.

adipose tissue during menopause

ADIPOSE TISSUE DURING MENOPAUSE

Hormonal imbalance during menopause may contribute to many health conditions normally associated with aging, such as accumulation of fat tissue.

broccoli and hormone balance

BROCCOLI AND HORMONE BALANCE

Broccoli is connected to hormone balance by its effect on how the body breaks down estrogen. But exactly how much and how often should broccoli be eaten?

diabetes and testosterone

DIABETES AND TESTOSTERONE

This short article outlines a study that indicated that patients with abdominal obesity and metabolic diseases should be tested for low testosterone.

hormones and emotional health

HORMONES AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH

Because foods affect blood sugar in different ways, it’s important to pay attention to what and when you eat in order to help regulate emotional health.

hormones probiotics and the human microbiome

HORMONES, PROBIOTICS, AND THE HUMAN MICROBIOME

Microbial imbalance in the gut may affect other systems in the body, including hormone balance. Probiotics may help optimize hormones and overall wellness.

dietary fat benefits hormones

HOW DIETARY FAT AFFECTS HORMONES

One of the vital components of a balanced diet is dietary fat; eating the right amounts and kinds of dietary fat may help reduce the risk of many diseases.

human microbiome

THE HUMAN MICROBIOME

A healthy microbiome aids digestion, immune system integrity, and behavior. Several things, including diet, may cause changes in the microbiome.

progesterone key to stabilizing insulin levels

INSULIN RESISTANCE

As the master fuel-supply hormone, insulin’s regulates the blood sugar that flows into the body’s cells to create energy and to communicate the need to refuel.

hormones probiotics and the human microbiome

PROBIOTICS

Probiotic foods or supplements are generally safe and widely available. But how can you be sure you’re getting enough of the right probiotics to make a difference?

vitamin k2 a missing link in the western diet

VITAMIN K2

Nutrient imbalance may cause a domino effect on health. For example, vitamin K2 deficiency may cause calcium to be stored in tissues other than bone.

secret female hormone

WEIGHT

When choosing a diet to meet your individual needs, it makes sense to consider how hormone levels may be affecting changes in your own weight and metabolism.