Naturopathic Medicine Mississauga

How do I balance my hormones to promote weight loss?

How do I balance my hormones to promote weight loss?

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Written By: Dr. Dominique Vanier, ND, MEnvSc, BScH
Naturopath in Oakville at Abaton Integrative Medicine

Weight loss advice is everywhere. The Internet, social media, friends, celebrities, weight loss experts – you name it.

There is a lot more to weight loss and weight management than calories, food choices, and regular exercise. While these healthy lifestyle choices set the foundation for success, many people experience weight gain despite clean eating and weekly physical activity.

As a naturopathic doctor, I carefully analyze all contributing factors that may be associated with a patient’s weight gain. In many cases, lack of sleep, excess stress, and hormonal imbalances can tip the scale to favour excess weight.

Hormonal balance plays a major role in promoting weight loss. Hormones like cortisol, insulin, melatonin, estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) are all interconnected.

For example, just as sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone can impact the thyroid, a thyroid imbalance can cause a disturbance to ovarian hormones. High levels of estrogen can result in an increase in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). When TSH is elevated, the thyroid gland may not be working effectively which can slow the body’s “thermostat” and cause weight gain.

As stress plays a pivotal role in virtually all health conditions, it can also lead to a hormonal imbalance. Chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels. Cortisol – our body’s chief stress hormone – is actually a protective hormone. It is meant to raise blood sugar to give us enough energy and “fight or flight” from oncoming danger.

If we are sensing “danger” all the time, such as in the form of excessive work demands or marital difficulties, chronically elevated cortisol can lead to high blood sugar levels, elevated insulin, weight gain, and potentially diabetes. Elevated insulin puts women at risk for developing polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) – the primary cause of missed periods and infertility.

Balancing hormones is a major focus of my treatment plans for patients who are seeking help for weight loss. Below are seven hormone-balancing tips that I discuss daily in my clinical practice.

1. Testing. Did you know naturopathic doctors are able to order blood tests? Testing is an integral part in uncovering a hormonal imbalance. I routinely run a full thyroid panel and look at both thyroid hormones and thyroid antibodies. I also regularly order fasting insulin and fasting glucose together, as I have seen countless examples of patients with normal HbA1c and fasting glucose levels, but elevated insulin levels. Lastly, the Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones (DUTCH) is an excellent test that looks at hormone metabolites of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol levels, and many others.

2. Magnesium. Magnesium is an amazing mineral that has been studied to lower blood sugar levels, decrease stress, and promote better sleep. Calming the nervous system and promoting a more balanced stress response may be able to help with one’s weight loss goals.

3. Nutritional intravenous (IV) therapy. Intravenous (IV) therapy is an effective way to help correct underlying nutritional deficiencies and promote detoxification. As an IV-certified naturopathic doctor, I administer IV therapy to help reduce stress and to provide nutrient building blocks (like B vitamins) to support hormonal balance.

4. Berberine. Berberine is a chemical found in several plants that has been clinically studied to reduce fasting insulin levels and inhibit fat stores. I commonly recommend berberine in combination with chromium and resveratrol for my patients who are experiencing weight gain due to insulin resistance.

5. Vitex. Vitex, also known as Chaste Tree, is a botanical herb that has been studied to balance progesterone and estrogen levels. While it does not contain any hormones itself, it is able to act on the pituitary gland in the brain, and can be particularly helpful for women who have excess estrogen levels.

6. Zinc and selenium. Both zinc and selenium are trace elements required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. As many agricultural soils are increasingly deficient in certain microminerals, providing these nutrients in therapeutic doses in supplement form may help balance thyroid hormones.

7. Probiotics. Did you know there is a connection between a healthy gut and healthy hormone levels? Our friendly gut bacteria are able to regulate estrogen by releasing an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase. Impaired digestion can lead to a decrease in this enzyme and lower circulating estrogen levels, which may contribute to the development of obesity. Probiotic foods like sauerkraut are a great way to promote a healthy gut microbiome!

Working with your naturopathic doctor can ensure you receive the right testing and treatment plan, which can help you achieve your hormone and weight loss goals.

Dr. Dominique Vanier is a naturopath in Oakville and is accepting new patients at Abaton Integrative Medicine. Find out more about her Healthy Weight Loss Program here!

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Guest Blog Post: Winter Wellness Advice For Successfully Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder

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Do you fight the blues every winter? If so, you’re not alone. A number of people suffer with a medical condition called seasonal affective disorder. With a few coping strategies in place, you can successfully manage the symptoms and feel better, even during the dark, cold days of the year.

About SAD. Seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD, typically causes sufferers to experience symptoms during winter months. When the season changes, symptoms subside. Because of this pattern, the condition is believed to be associated with seasonal changes in daylight hours. A small percentage of those with SAD struggle during summertime.

Symptoms. According to The American Psychiatric Association, symptoms of SAD may include:

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Apathy and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Feelings of depression nearly all day, every day
  • Loss of energy and sluggishness
  • Feelings of agitation
  • Inability to focus or make decisions
  • Changes in appetite and weight
  • Feelings of despair, guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness
  • Thoughts of suicide or death

Those who suffer with SAD during the summer months are inclined toward insomnia, while those who suffer during winter tend to oversleep. Summer sufferers are also more apt to lose their appetite and experience anxiety, while those with the wintertime condition tend to overindulge, especially in carbohydrate-laden foods.

Risk factors. Mayo Clinic notes certain situations seem to increase the risk for SAD. Living far from the equator where you receive less daylight hours appears to be a factor. Those with a family history of SAD also seem to be more inclined to suffer with symptoms. People with other mental health issues such as major depression or bipolar disorder may also become more depressed seasonally.

SAD and substances. Because of the symptoms sufferers endure, many people trying to cope with SAD develop substance abuse issues. In an attempt to relieve their depression or anxiety, some people self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. The substance will aggravate symptoms, which increases the use of the substance, creating a vicious circle.

Treatments. While some researchers indicate the reasons for SAD are not fully understood, it is believed that body chemicals released by exposure to sunlight are involved. By increasing exposure to light, many people can find relief from SAD symptoms. There are specially designed light therapy boxes, fixtures and visors that SAD sufferers can employ, usually for between a half hour to two hours every day. For some with mild symptoms, simply putting a bedroom light on a timer to awaken to light every morning is a help.

Changing the environment can also reduce symptoms. Try painting rooms light colors, and open curtains to enjoy as much daylight as possible. When deciding where to sit, opt to be close to windows.

Another way to alleviate symptoms of SAD is with lifestyle changes. According to some professionals, embracing a good wellness program can improve outlook and energy levels. Choose a healthy diet which includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. Engage in a regular exercise program, and get plenty of rest and sleep. Alternative therapies can also be beneficial; some studies show success treating SAD and other forms of depression with making methods such as acupuncture part of your life.

Sometimes SAD sufferers require medical treatment, such as behavioural therapy and antidepressants. If you think that you or someone you love is suffering with SAD, it’s important to seek assistance from a medical professional.

Seek relief. Those who experience depression at the same time every year may be suffering with SAD, and it’s a real and treatable condition. With appropriate coping strategies, symptoms can be relieved, and you can feel better throughout the year.

Written by: Kimberly Hayes Chief Blogger – [email protected]

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