Whether you’re experiencing premenstrual syndrome or are in the thick of your perimenopausal or menopausal journey, strategic diet and lifestyle supports establish and maintain a solid foundation for your gut, liver, adrenal and reproductive health!
Every woman’s experience differs, being highly dependent on overall lifestyle (daily diet, physical activity, stress level, sleep quality, gut health/digestion, liver health, detoxification efficiency, and environmental toxic load). Knowing and understanding your overall health picture and what would best support your journey, is paramount.
The gut microbiome is significantly involved in the regulation of our metabolism, including that of estrogen. Bowel movements not only eliminate waste/toxins, they flush out excess estrogen/estrogen metabolites.
If not eliminating daily with soft, formed and easy-to-pass poops, stagnant toxins/metabolites can start to harm the intestinal lining, increasing inflammation and exacerbating symptoms. High estrogen relative to progesterone, including poor clearance, can contribute to ‘Estrogen Dominance’ and PMS-related symptoms.
Are you consuming…
Consider exploring digestive support based on your unique needs (*in consideration of any medications/contraindications too), like:
Targeted digestive support complements relaxed eating and thorough chewing.
An overwhelming volume of toxins in our environment (often hormone disruptors) impact the load our liver bears. Countless conventional products (perfumes, cosmetics, personal care, cleaning products…) contain parfum, parabens, phthalates and the like!
Liver/bile congestion and toxicity becomes evident via elevated liver markers, gallbladder issues, greasy (fat-containing) bowel movements, sensitivity to scents, brain fog, and more!
Alongside the bowels, the liver is a major detoxification pathway in the body as the body’s filter.
Daily, gentle, detoxification strategies support your liver health, and therefore reproductive function too:
By optimizing our detoxification pathways (colon, liver, lungs, kidneys, skin and Lymphatic System) and substantially reducing our toxic load, we’re in a better position to excrete toxins, waste and hormone metabolites more effectively! We’re also in a better state to digest/assimilate our nutrients and utilize our hormones! As such, we have more comfortable menstruation, perimenopause and menopausal journeys.
Chronically-elevated cortisol levels (secreted by the adrenals) may be linked to hot flashes or anxious/depressive symptoms, having a trickle-down effect on cognitive performance in menopausal women.
Our adrenals take over reproductive hormone production when ovarian production ceases, so nourishing our adrenals is crucial!
A state of chronic ‘Fight-or-Flight’ with our Nervous System, due to chronically elevated cortisol release, ‘steals’ the pregnenolone available for other hormones (including progesterone). Progesterone is our grounding/calming hormone that supports our Parasympathetic Nervous System. The body’s priorities will override your personal health priorities, so it’s crucial to reflect on how much stress your system is under at any given time. Stress not only reduces progesterone levels, it impacts our ability to ovulate!
Dysregulated cortisol goes hand-in-hand with dysregulated blood sugar levels, and given estrogen (Estradiol – E2) plummets over time, we become more ‘insulin resistant’. Night sweats and hot flashes involve dysregulated blood sugar levels due to altered glucose metabolism. Their top triggers include stress, caffeine and alcohol (all of which spike blood sugar levels, too).
Protein-centered meals, rich with fiber and a source of anti-inflammatory fat, are a must! Protein stimulates muscle protein synthesis, supports a raging appetite, curbs cravings, has a high thermal effect and stabilizes blood sugar levels.
Strategic/time-defined use of a product like Carlson ACES + Zn contains all antioxidant nutrients in a single source!
Be in the know with your cortisol levels/rhythm when exploring adaptogenic herbs, in consideration of any medications, as well. Daily lifestyle habits (e.g. stress reduction, sleep hygiene) that support your Circadian Rhythm are foundational, daily, adrenal supports.
It’s very important to understand YOUR gut, liver and hormonal status through your reproductive health journey, so you may support it accordingly.
Be sure to stop into a Community Natural Foods soon, shop the tremendous product variety available, and chat with a team member about your next possible steps!
Jessica Ferguson (Pecush) is a Natural Nutrition Clinical Practitioner based in Calgary, Alberta.
Her 2-decade journey with autoimmune disorder Ulcerative Colitis ultimately led her into the world of Holistic Nutrition with a deep-dive focus on gut health and autoimmunity, given ALL symptoms and disorders in the body stem from the health and functioning of the gut!
Through her (online-based) private practice (Jessica Pecush Nutrition), Jessica supports others with redefining their future health trajectory. Her therapeutic, anti-inflammatory approach encompasses a personalized whole foods-based diet, high-impact natural supplementation, calming lifestyle/stress management practices, restorative sleep strategies and of course, a growth mindset!
Jessica deeply empowers you with a sustainable, root cause-supportive approach for long-term vitality, rather than band-aid solutions that just temporarily mask symptoms.
