So, what exactly is Nutritional Endocrinology?
In a nutshell, it is the relationship between nutrition and endocrine imbalances. Conversations about malnutrition, nutrient deficiencies, and even nutrient excesses are crucial to have because they impact our hormones.
In what way? Nutrition, and lifestyle for that matter, impact the distribution, production, and receptivity of hormones.
Certain foods have a positive impact and others disrupt hormones. The same applies to the other lifestyle choices of the pyramid. They all impact the wellbeing of our hormones and how our body communicates within.
Why is it important to understand these relationships?
I am a true believer that the more we understand about our bodies, minds, systems, and especially the endocrine system, the more we will invest and grow into becoming our best selves by cultivating healthy habits that will FUEL our cells with energy and health.
As an insulin resistance coach and nutritional endocrinology practitioner, when I help my clients restore their health, I apply a sequence of intervention:
Starts with food and lifestyle, then specific nutrients, then herbs, and lastly, there are bioidentical hormones from a natural source not from a prescription form, of course. Sometimes, when someone experiences acute issues, I might change the order of intervention to help alleviate symptoms.
This is a process that includes identifying the root cause of the imbalances so we can address them. It starts with various assessments and then labs. The most basic set of labs is blood work. I recommend to everyone to do so they know where they stand.
And I recommend them to get their results analyzed by doing a Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis—I love doing this because it’s often an eye-opener. This is where you have the opportunity to identify deficiencies and imbalances ahead of time. This is the beginning stage to go from being ‘normal’ to ‘optimal’.
In this process, sometimes, it is wise to dive deeper and run labs to identify the health of the adrenal glands, check out our poop, and do a stool test to see what creatures are living inside us, and food sensitivities. At times, we might need to test the levels of minerals and amino acids.
Ultimately, the goal is to get you to feel healthy and vibrant so you continue to things you love with joy and confidence.
