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CDC states 42% of all deaths in America are due to heart disease. Most of the time, conditions such as heart disease can be prevented through lifestyle choices. Habits like exercise and healthy eating are critical to the way your body functions overall, including your hormones.
Hormones play a vital role in the way your body functions. These hormones are chemical messengers that help control your heart rate, sleep cycles, sexual function, metabolism, body temperatures, and much more! Including the cardiovascular system.
This is how it works, the pancreas, a large gland behind the stomach, right next to the small intestine, produces insulin. Insulin is a hormone that allows blood sugar or glucose to enter your cells needed for energy. However, this process can be disturbed and result in insulin resistance. Insulin resistance happens when blood sugars are not entering the cell normally, causing the pancreas to make too much insulin. And when too much glucose is in the bloodstream type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular problems, high cholesterol, and blood pressure can develop.
There is also a hormone called estradiol that both men and women produce naturally but in different areas of the body. For example, estradiol is produced in the ovaries, whereas men produce estradiol in the testicles. More specifically 17 beta-estradiol, produced by the ovaries can actually protect your cardiovascular system. Studies have shown this hormone increases blood flow, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
However, when women approach menopause it can impact the cardiovascular system significantly. This is why… During reproductive years women typically gain weight around the hips and thighs while post-menopausal women gain is distributed around the abdomen and heart, which links for CVD. (cardiovascular disease) And research is showing that post-menopausal women have a higher risk of metabolic syndrome.
In general, estrogen along with many other hormonal tests are included in my comprehensive lab panel. Checking these levels regularly can reduce the risk of high blood sugar and cholesterol, weight gain, and type 2 diabetes. With lifestyle changes implemented and a personalized wellness plan, you can balance your hormones for a healthy and strong heart!
The best way to prevent disease and infections from invading your body is to pay attention to what is on your plate. Incorporating high-fiber foods like leafy greens and healthy fats like olive oil or salmon can support your body for all of its functions. Pair your healthy plate with a consistent exercise regime and you are a step closer to a stronger body and heart. Plus, a pro-tip to make this transition a little easier is enrolling in my Ultimate Detox Program. Doing so is a great place to start adopting healthier habits and routines that will support your overall health.
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