Happy Gut, Happy Hormones: The importance of gut health for your hormonal balance

When we talk about hormones, terms like estrogen and testosterone spring to mind, and the word "gut health" quickly brings to mind nutrition and fiber. But what may not be so obvious to us is that hormones and gut health can be connected! And that's precisely why we want to talk about it in the following blog post and also give you tips on how to get your gut health and, in turn, your hormones back on track!

What is the estrobolome?

The estrobolome is a collection of bacteria in the gut that are capable of metabolizing and regulating estrogen circulating in the body. It is the bacteria in the gut and the estrobolome that influence estrogen levels, which in turn can affect weight, libido, and mood.

Hormones and gut health: Why is gut health important?

Optimizing our gut health is key to keeping our hormones in balance. Gut health is so important because the microbiome (the collection of bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract) has many functions.

Hormones and gut health: Why is gut health important?

Optimizing our gut health is key to keeping our hormones in balance. Gut health is so important because the microbiome has many functions.

The microbiome

- supports the synthesis and regulation of hormones and neurotransmitters

- facilitates the absorption of macro- and micronutrients

- plays an essential role in the immune system
- contributes to the regulation of estrogen levels in the body

What are estrogens anyway?

Estrogens are produced primarily in the ovaries and adrenal glands. There are three different types, each of which plays an important role in the body. In women, estrogens contribute to the regulation of body fat and are essential for female reproductive function, cardiovascular health, bone health, and brain health (including memory). In men, estrogens help with sperm maturation and maintaining libido.

Estroblom and estrogen levels

When the gut microbiome is healthy, the estrobolome produces optimal amounts of an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase. If too much is produced, estrogen levels become unbalanced. A healthy, diverse gut microbiome with a rich collection of different bacteria is therefore crucial for hormonal balance.

Elevated beta-glucuronidase levels are associated with, among other diseases:

- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

- Metabolic syndrome

- Endometriosis

- Infertility

- Mood swings
- Heart disease

Unfortunately, gut microbiome imbalances are very common, and the delicate balance of microbiome and estrobolome can be disrupted by many different factors, including genetics, age, weight, diet, alcohol, antibiotics, environmental pollutants, and more.

Signs of an unhealthy gut

There are many signs of an unhealthy gut that can often be misdiagnosed as something else.

- Digestive problems (bloating, diarrhea or constipation)

- Weight changes

- Food intolerances

- Fatigue

- Skin irritation

- Autoimmune diseases
- Hormonal imbalance

Tips for improving gut health and hormone balance

Here are 3 tips for you that you can implement immediately!

Pay attention to what you put into your body

Diet plays a crucial role. A diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fiber with a high content of phytonutrients—the so-called "rainbow plate"—can promote microbial diversity.

You should also consider prebiotics and probiotics. Prebiotic foods like garlic, onions, asparagus, and bananas provide the nutrients your gut bacteria thrive on. Probiotic foods like kefir, kombucha, kimchi, and other fermented foods are very helpful in introducing beneficial bacteria strains like Lactobacillus to the gut.

Move

Exercise is an excellent way to support liver detoxification. Regular, moderate-intensity exercise can lower circulating estrogen levels. It can also reduce the stress hormone cortisol, which can negatively impact our sex hormones. However, we must pay attention to what's best for our own bodies.

Activities that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, or the body's "rest and digest" mode, such as yoga, are also highly beneficial for hormonal health. Other mindfulness practices also impact how our bodies deal with stress and the resulting hormonal balance.

Use the right supplements

Certain supplements can also be a great support.

Our brand-new dietary supplement GUT GOODNESS can help you restore your intestinal health. With its perfect combination of bacterial cultures (including bifidobacteria and lactobacilli) and fiber from acacia, GUT GOODNESS contributes to a healthy intestinal flora.

Additionally, HORMONE HAPPINESS & BEAUTY can support you

to balance your hormones and supports a regular cycle. Ingredients such as chasteberry, maca root extract, and yam root promote hormonal balance, and our product is also enhanced with beauty ingredients such as biotin and amla berry extract.