Men, it’s time we address your hormones… Yep, your hormones! As you well know, they play an important role in helping you sleep, having energy, and also muscle development. But, did you also know that it doesn’t have to be difficult to get them moving again? As a matter of fact they aren’t!  Today we talk all about hormone optimization through fasting, eating and avoiding known inhibitors.

Yes, it’s true, fasting is good for your health. Oh, we knew it all along. We heard how calorie restriction plus optimal nutrition leads to a longer life… I mean, everyone knows that eating less and requiring less insulin leads to a longer life, right?

Well there is a new study, as there always is, and here is what they are saying:

“Research cardiologists at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute are reporting that fasting not only lowers one’s risk of coronary artery disease and diabetes, but also causes significant changes in a person’s blood cholesterol levels.”

The research team recorded differences in the body’s biological mechanisms during fasting. Noting that, when the body was undergoing the stress of hunger, the body releases cholesterol in order to utilize it as a fuel source. This decreases fat cells and the fewer fat cells in the body, the less likely individuals will suffer from insulin resistance or diabetes.

Also of note, the study also confirmed that human growth hormone (HGH) increased an average of 1300 percent in women and 2000 percent in men. HGH, which is a metabolic protein, helps protect lean muscle and metabolic balance.

Fasting gives your body a break from the constant energy drain of digesting food during the day-every day. It’s important to fast carefully and to take measures when coming out of a fast, as to not break it too hastily. You’ll want to consult an expert when planning your fast.

When it comes to eating, it’s also important to note that often times we aren’t eating enough. In most cases, men under eat when trying to lose weight by 40%. This is something that can be remedied by just knowing what your body needs calorically at rest. You can do this with a DEXA body scan, or a RMR (resting metabolic rate) test. Another good solution, although a tad less accurate, is a body fat analyzer that you can find at your local nutrition shop or on amazon. 

How do you know when your hormones may be miss firing? Here are some helpful markers. Just remember a doctor ordered blood test could be helpful here to know for sure.

Conditions related to low testosterone levels:

• Obesity
• Erectile dysfunction
• Depression
• Chronic pain treated with opioids
• Osteoporosis
• Diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome
• Chronic Inflammatory Diseases–arthritis, colitis, autoimmunity
• Alcohol abuse
• Chronic infection
• HIV/AIDS
• Cardiovascular disease
• Cancer of the prostate

These markers are important to analyze in addition to lifestyle practices. We often have more control over our health than we give ourselves credit for. When considering proper hormonal response in the body consider eliminating these aggregators of hormone function. Again, for better results and a safe approach to increasing your health in the area of hormones, consult your doctor. 

Common medications & substances related to testosterone deficiencies:

• Blood pressure medications, especially beta blockers
• Cholesterol lowering medications (Statins, Lipitor, Simvastatin, Crestor, Pravachol)
• Narcotics
• Alcohol
• Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Ibuprofen, NSAIDS, Aleve, Motrin
• Antidepressants
• Cigarettes
• Acid blocker medications (Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac)

But wait, there’s more! Now we talk about the wonderful world of nutrient dense foods.For sure you can change the bodies ability to synthesize it’s hormone response by adding in delicious, nutrient dense calories like the ones found in these foods:

• Watermelon
• Nuts
• Raw chocolate
• Grass-fed beef
• Gojo berries
• Pineapple
• Fava beans
• Coconut oil
• Yogurt
• Eggs

Delicious right?! If you didn’t know, now you do! These foods do things like; help improve HGH and burn fat. They also have bio-active amino acids, carnitine, and Co-Q10 to help stimulate a significant HGH boost. And just to add a little more motivation, these foods also boost melatonin and serotonin release that will help you sleep. I know you’re excited now to both enjoy these fine foods but also to start looking into their health benefits even more. Which to that we say, happy hunting! More research equals a well informed individual bent on increasing their over all health and that’s what we are all about here at NFM. 

Sources:

https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news/2019/11/intermittent-fasting-increases-longevity-in-cardiac-catheterization-patients-new-intermountain-study-finds/

https://www.balancedwellbeinghealthcare.com/conditions-treat/mens-hormonal-health/

https://www.medicalopedia.org/6969/10-foods-that-increase-human-growth-hormone/