Some days I amaze myself. Other days I lose my phone when I’m talking on it.
Listen — we all go through triumphs and tribulations with the aging process. We have the knowledge of a seasoned traveler in this adventure we call life. And in other cases we forget we have our glasses on top of our head.
It’s all about the journey!
Our bodies go through a rollercoaster of changes in every stage of our existence. It’s up to us to take action. Embrace your body as your temple and provide it with everything you need to be the best version of yourself — no matter your age.
Understanding Hormones
What are hormones? According to the Cleveland Clinic — Hormones are chemicals that coordinate different functions in your body by carrying messages through your blood to your organs, skin, muscles and other tissues. These signals tell your body what to do and when to do it. Hormones are essential for life and your health.
Sounds pretty important, right?
Absolutely! It affects so many parts of the body — including:
- Growth and Development
- Metabolism
- Mood
- Reproduction
- Sexual Function
- The Sleep Cycle
Have you ever seen an ant hill? Hundreds of little bodies marching in precise patterns to achieve goals for her majesty the Queen. Now — have you ever poured water on this hill? EVERYBODY RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!
It’s complete chaos.
The little ants represent the metabolism in your body — and your body is the Queen. Say your metabolism gets disrupted. Queen bae isn’t getting what she needs. Everything is in disarray.
We need proper metabolism to function. Give the Queen what she needs!
What Does Age Have To Do With It?
I think it’s safe to say that many of you know — from totally paying attention in health class — that male and female bodies produce Estrogen and Testosterone. Estrogen plays a bigger part in female bodies while Testosterone plays a bigger part in male bodies.
Estrogen and Testosterone help with many similar things including:
- Sexual and Reproductive Health
- Cognitive Abilities
- Cardiovascular Support
- Bone and Muscle Mass
- Blood Sugar Levels
As females age — particularly around the dreaded menopause word — estrogen actually switches from estradiol to estrone. Say whaaaat!
During this time levels tend to dip, which can cause certain health problems.
As males age — testosterone levels have a gradual decline — which can also cause certain health problems.
You may be thinking “well heck — this is bad! But no need to panic. People have had a lot of time to work this stuff out.
Check Ins
Estrogen can be tested from a silva sample, urine sample, or blood sample. This can be done at a clinic or even with an at-home kit. Tests will vary based on age and pregnancy status.
Testosterone levels are usually only a blood test and results will vary by age. The test will indicate high or low levels which help determine what exactly is going on in the body.
It’s pretty amazing what data can be collected from this information — go science!
How To Maintain Healthy Levels
Now you know you can track estrogen and testosterone levels — woohoo! So it’s probably a good idea to understand how to maintain healthy levels. People age and are constantly changing — but this doesn’t mean we don’t have the tools to keep those little ants in line.
Here are some good life practices:
- Exercise and Weight Management — obvious I know! But important to practice
- Proper Diet with an emphasis on Protein, Carbohydrates, Fiber, and Healthy Fats
- Pay Attention to Your Gut Health — frequent bloating, gas, constipation, and discomfort could be a sign of an unhealthy gut. Try utilizing Prebiotics and Probiotics to combat this.
- Reduce Stress and Get Proper Sleep — this can play a much bigger part then you realize
- Incorporate Supplements such as Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and Omega-3
Seeking More Advice?
It’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor — they did go to med school after all. Every human body is different and continuously changing. But it’s best to embrace the change and take necessary steps to be a happier, healthier YOU!
I know we could all use some more tips to live our healthiest lives – CLICK HERE to learn more about Intermittent Fasting and The M.A.D.E. Diet.
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