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Balancing Your Hormones

ByDr. Ritamarie Loscalzo

1www.Dritamarie.com

© 2010 Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo, MS, DC, CCN, DACBN

http://www.dritamarie.com/

Major Endocrine Glands

2www.DrRitamarie.com


http://www.drritamarie.com/

Major Endocrine Hormones

• Thyroid – T3, T4

• Cortisol

• DHEA

• Insulin

• Glucagon

• Estrogen

• Progesterone

• Testosterone

• Thymus

• Leptin/Ghrelin




How Hormones Affect Your Energy

1. Decrease metabolism

2. Blood Sugar regulation

3. Stress response

4. Effects on Digestion

5. Appetite Regulation




Causes of Hormone Problems

• Sugar

• Stress

• Food Allergies: Gluten and Casein

• Pathogens

• Eating Under Stress

• Insufficient Chewing

• Medications

• Toxins in food

• Poor food combining

• Nutrient Imbalances




Assessment of Hormones

• Lab tests

• Symptoms

• Signs

• Temperature

• Observations

• Elimination




Foods that Nourish The Endocrine System

• Whole foods

• Fresh foods not highly processed

• Chlorophyll Rich Green foods

• Real Foods - no artificial ingredients

• Mineral rich sea vegetables

• Colorful antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables

• Healthy Fats

• Vegetable based proteins




Master Hormone Control

• Hypothalamus and Pituitary




Hormones and Appetite




Insulin Functions

• Get sugar out of the blood and into the cells

• Store excess sugar in blood as fat

• It’s opposite hormone is glucagon




Insulin Imbalance

• Hypoglycemia – Too much insulin leads to too little sugar in the blood

• Insulin Resistance – Too much insulin over time causes cells to stop responding to it. Also called Syndrome X or Metabolic Syndrome

• Diabetes Type 1 – Too Little Insulin leads to too much sugar in the blood

• Diabetes Type 2 – Too much insulin plus Insulin resistance leads to too much sugar in the Blood




Insulin Resistance Effects

• Produces inflammation which can lead to decline in cognitive function (predementia)

• Depression - 3 fold risk

• Food Cravings

• Weight gain around the middle




Insulin




How Insulin Effects your Body

• Facilitates Fat storage

• Mood and behavior disturbances

• Increases appetite

• Increases LDL cholesterol

• Causes high blood pressure

• Makes blood sticky

• Stimulates cancer cell growth

• Increases oxidative stress

• Decreases folate and B12

• Causes problems with sex hormones




Insulin Resistance




Leptin and Ghrelin




Leptin and Ghrelin

• Leptin is produced by fat cells

• Leptin suppresses appetite

• Leptin increases metabolic rate

• Leptin stimulates sexual maturity

• Leptin resistance leads to obesity and fatigue

• Ghrelin is produced by the stomach

• Ghrelin increases appetite




Female Hormones




Female Hormones Cycle




Female Hormone Imbalances

• PMS

• Irregular menses

• Excessive or scant menses

• Menopause

• Excess testosterone

• Xeno estrogens




Thymus Gland • Monitoring and regulation of energy flow

throughout the body energy systems

• Rebalancing and harmony of body energy

• Link between mind and body - the first organ to be affected by mental attitudes and stress.

• Activation and stimulation of the thymus is an essential, primary foundation of achieving and maintaining positive health.

• Controls the acupuncture energy meridians

• Glandular key to vitality, love, courage and the will to live and the will to be well

• Atrophies with

• Tapping on the thymus has been scientifically shown to improve its function and it also grows in size!

• The thymus is also referred to as the higher heart chakra




Treating the Thymus Gland




Adrenal Glands




Adrenal Gland Hormones




Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

1. Excessive fatigue and exhaustion, chronic fatigue2. Non-refreshing sleep3. Sleep disturbance, insomnia4. Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope5. Craving salty and/or sweet foods6. Sensitivity to light7. Low stamina and slow to recover from exercise8. Slow to recover from injury or illness9. Difficulty concentrating, brain fog10. Poor digestion11. Irritable bowel syndrome, IBS12. Low immune function13. Premenstrual syndrome14. Menopause symptoms15. Low blood pressure16. Sensitivity to cold17. Fearfulness18. Allergies,19. Frequent influenza20. Arthritis21. Anxiety22. Irritability23. Depression24. Reduced memory25. Low libido, sexual drive or interest26. Lack of lust for life and/or food27. Excess hunger28. Low appetite29. Panic/anxiety attacks30. Irritability, impatience, quick to anger.




Causes of Adrenal Fatigue

• Chronic Stress,

• Chronic Physical problems

• Trauma

• Poor diet, especially sugar and processed fats

• Chronic Digestive problems

• Lack of sleep

• Overwork and constantly driving yourself

• Trying to be perfect

• Lack of fun and renewing activities




Diagnosing Adrenal Fatigue

• Dizziness when standing up quickly

• Craving for salt

• Low Blood pressure that gets lower when standing up

• Sensitivity to light because pupils can’t stay constricted

• Saliva hormone testing

• 24 hour urine cortisol

• ACTH challenge blood test




Managing Adrenal Fatigue

• Transform stress

• Diet changes– Timing of meals

– Content of meals

• Supplements

• Herbs

• Light exposure

• Sleep

• Exercise

• Sunshine

• Fresh air

• Manage food allergies




Nutrients important for adrenals

• Vitamin C with Bioflavonoid

• Vitamin E

• B-complex, especially B5 and B6

• Magnesium

• Zinc

• Calcium

• Trace minerals

• Fiber

• Essential Fatty Acids




Herbs for the Adrenals

• Licorice

• Ashwaganda

• Rhodiola

• Korean ginseng

• Ginger

• Ginkgo

There are lots more




Lifestyle Routines to Support Adrenals

• Quality sleep• Water with ½ tsp salt and lemon first thing

upon arising• 5 minutes of early morning outdoor light

within 1 hour of awakening• Protein and minerals at breakfast, within 1

hour of awakening (green smoothies are great for this, optionally with ground flax, hemp or chia seeds or protein powder like Sun Warrior raw sprouted rice protein)

• Heart Math exercises• Restorative pose• Exercise: moderate ie brisk walking,

stretching, yoga, light weights• Go to bed by 10• Night time ritual as we’ve discussed




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Thyroid Gland

So Why The Big Commotion Over Such a Small Gland?

www.DrRitamarie.com © 2010 Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo, MS, DC,

CCN, DACBN

Is Thyroid Disease Becoming An Epidemic?

• One in 10 women over the age of 50 has inadequate thyroid hormone levels.

• Endocrinologists suggest that as many as 25% of adult American women have clinically detectable low thyroid dysfunction,

• Veterinarians report as many as 40% of their canine and feline patients have thyroid problems.1

• NHANES III 1988-1994: studied subjects >12 years– Hypothyroidism in 4.6% – Hyperthyroidism in 1.3%




Symptoms of Low Thyroid

• Low energy

• Sluggish digestion

• Weight gain or inability to lose weight

• Dry skin

• Elevated cholesterol

• Low blood pressure

• Thinning hair

• Cold hands and feet

• Low body temperature or always feeling chilled

• Sensitivity to cold,




More Symptoms of Low Thyroid

• Constipation

• Frequent infections

• Hoarse voice

• Ringing in the ears

• Puffy eyes

• Joint aches

• Loss of libido

• Headaches, dizziness

• Insomnia

• Depression and/or mental dullness

• Dry skin, hair loss, brittle nails




Symptoms Of Excess Thyroid

• Feeling hot• Increased appetite• Weight loss without trying• Fatigue at the end of the day• Difficulty falling asleep• Trembling of the hands• A hard or irregular heartbeat (called

palpitations)• Increased bowel movements• Light or absent menstrual periods• Shortness of breath• Chest pain• Hair loss• Muscle weakness




Diagnosing Thyroid Imbalances

• Blood tests

– TSH

– T3

– T4

– Anti thyroid antibodies

• Saliva Test: Diagnostechs Lab

• First Morning Temperature




What Are the Major Factors that Cause the Thyroid to

Act-Up?

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• Dietary stressors

• Nutrient imbalances

• Stress

• Chemicals in the air and water

• Atomic radiation

• Cigarette • Pesticides

• Radiation

• Fluoride in water

• Chlorine and bromine

• Medications: antihistamines, aspirin, anticoagulants, sulfa drugs

www.DrRitamarie.com© 2010 Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo, MS, DC, CCN, DACBN


Dietary Contributions to Thyroid Dysfunction

• Gluten

• Iodine deficiency

• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies:

– Selenium and Riboflavin for converting Iodine and tyrosine to hormone

– Vitamin A regulates production of TSH

– Vitamin D3 and bioflavonoid protect against thyroid cancer

– Zinc shown to effect thyroid hormone levels

– Vitamin B12 associated with decreased levels of an enzyme that activates thyroid hormone




Most Important Nutrients For The Thyroid Gland

• Iodine ***

• Selenium

• Vitamin A

• Vitamin D3

• Vitamin B2

• Vitamin B6

• Vitamin B12

• Bioflavonoid

• Zinc

• Iron.

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*** Most Important nutrient for the thyroid



Foods and Substances That Can Imbalance Hormones

• Gluten

• Dairy

• Sugar and sugar alcohol

• All allergens

• Caffeine

• Alcohol

• Lectins: grains, beans, dairy

• Trans fats

• Nightshades

• Medications




Actions You Can Take to Protect Your Hormones

• De-Stress

• Fresh air and sunshine

• Use ozone or salt filtration systems in swimming pools

• Use a shower filter or whole house filter

• Exercise regularly• Hydrate with purified water• Whole unrefined sea salt• Fresh Fruits and vegetables• Sea vegetables• Lots of green leafy vegetables• Wild edible greens• Eat organic• Avoid Gluten• Minimize hormone inhibitors• Attain Ideal body weight• Avoid heated and Trans fats• Optimize Omega 3 fats• Avoid processed foods




References

• Drum, Ryan, Environmental Origins of Thyroid Disease: Part 1 and part 2, www.drryandrum.com , June 2005.

• Brown V, Disrupting a Delicate Balance, Environmental Health Perspectives, Sep 2003, Vol 111 No 12

• Frances D, Botanical Approaches to Hypothyroidism: Avoiding Supplemental Thyroid Hormone, Medical Herbalism, Volume 13, Number 1

• Batchelder T, Natural Products from the Sea: Ethnopharmacology, Nutrition and Conservation, Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients; Feb/Mar2001 Issue 211/212, p136

• MacArtain P et al, Nutritional Value of Edible Seaweeds, Nutrition Reviews, Dec 2007, Vol 65, No 12; 535

• Shapiro T, et al, Safety, Tolerance, and Metabolism of Broccoli Sprout Glucosinolates and Isothiocyanates: A Clinical Phase I Study, Nutrition and Cancer 2006 55(1) 53-62.

• Colin, P, et al, Endocrinological Disorders and Celiac Disease, Endocrine Reviews, 23(4): 464-483, 2002.

• Hymen, Mark, MD, UltraMetabolism • Hymen, Mark, MD, The UltraMind Solution• Wilson, James L, ND, DC, PhD, Adrenal fatigue• Teielbaum, Jacob, MD, From fatigued to Fantastic• Schmidt, Michael, DC, Tired of Being Tired• Talbot, Shawn, PhD, The Cortisol Connection• Diamond, John, MD, Life Energy: Unlocking the Hidden Power of your

Emotions to Achieve Total Well Being,



http://www.drryandrum.com/


About the Author, Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo

Dr. Ritamarie marries ancient healing wisdom with modern scientific research to create your personalized road-map to vibrant health. She's a master at unravelling the mystery of your unique biochemistry and designing diet, lifestyle and nutrition programs that fit your individual needs. She specializes in hormone balancing, detoxification and women's fatigue issues, using a fresh plant based diet, supportive lifestyle habits and food-based and herbal supplementation as needed.

Because most people bite off more than they can chew when they embark on a new health regimen, Dr. Ritamarie focuses on simple, effective ways to optimize your diet and lifestyle to achieve vibrant health. She dishes out simple steps with a dash of fun to motivate you to achieve your health goals.

Dr. Ritamarie's passion for creating delicious foods that support optimum health has lead her to develop recipes that not only taste great, they energize and heal as well. She's been teaching the power of raw and living foods for over two decades and she lives the vibrant life that eating this was creates.

As the mom of 2 energetic boys, raised on whole plant based foods, she has developed routines and recipes that kids of all ages love.

Dr. Ritamarie resides in Austin, Texas with her husband and sons. She can be reached at www.DrRitamarie.com . For a free packet of recipes and information on creating optimum health through good nutrition, visit www.GreenFoodMagic.com


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Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo is a leading authority on Nutrition and Health. She's an author, speaker and health practitioner with over 2 decades experience empowering health through education, inspiration and loving care. She's a doctor of chiropractic with certification in acupuncture, a certified clinical nutritionist, a Diplomat of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition and a medical herbalist.


http://www.greenfoodmagic.com/


Books and Programs by Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo

Balance My Body Blueprint – Balancing body chemistry and hormones through diet, lifestyle and nutritional supplementation - a three month journey of self discovery and healing. http://www.BalanceMyBodyBlueprint.com

Eat Your Way Out of Pain – an interactive course with over 2 hours of audio, a recipe guide, transcripts and bonuses to support you in eating in a manner that decreases pain and inflammation and leaves you feeling comfortable and energized. Free sample recipes and anti-inflammatory food chart - http://www.EatYourWayOutOfPain.com

Six Week Deep Tissue Detox : A guided journey through the detoxification process. Clean out your digestive tract, heal your leaky gut, clean out your and enhance liver detoxification. www.sixweekdetox.com

Creating the Vibrant Health Mindset Get out of your own way. Get in touch with your ore values, set bold health goals and be guided step y step through creating and managing a detailed plan, Learn valuable strategies for managing emotional eating, making consistently healthy choices and staying true to your true self. No more self sabotage, starting over and self reproach. http://www.VibrantHealthMindset.com

Green Cleanse Program: This chi a simple 7 day cleanse that is easy to do and results in profound bodily transformation. Pounds melt away, energy soars, skin clears and mood and focus soar. www.greensmoothiecleanse.com

Ageless Woman - LIVE recordings from 3 nights of focused ageless health information for women. Learn how to balance your hormones and sail gracefully through your transition years ...and it's best to start long BEFORE menopause begins. COMING SOON. Sign up for “Dr. Ritamarie's Vibrant Health Tips E-Zine” and you'll be notified when it's available www.drritamarie.com/newsletter


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http://www.balancemybodyblueprint.com/



http://www.eatyourwayoutofpain.com/

http://www.eatyourwayoutofpain.com/

http://www.sixweekdetox.com/

http://www.vibranthealthmindset.com/

http://www.vibranthealthmindset.com/

http://www.greensmoothiecleanse.com/

http://www.drritamarie.com/newsletter


Books and Programs by Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo(2)

Transforming Stress – audio, workbook, and transcript of a 90 minute live teleclass that guides you gently through a process of transforming your typical health depleting reaction to day to day stress into powerful experience that creates inner balance and improved health. http://www.drritamarie.com/go/courses

Dehydration Bliss – Live Video recordings of a weekend class in the art of food dehydration - carb addicts and crispy cracker lovers can have their treats , made from whole , living foods—vegetables, herbs, nuts and seeds. http://drritamarie.com/DehydrationBlissReplay.php

Get Your Green On - Live Video recordings of a day long class on the art of making delicious greens to power charge your nutrition and create vibrant energy. Includes video demonstrations of sprouting, juicing, sea vegetables, and making delicious GREEN recipes. http://www.drritamarie.com/GreensClass.php

Power Breakfasts Ideas – quick, healthy and energizing recipes and tips for starting your morning with recipes that give you plenty of energy to fuel you through the day! http://powerbreakfastideas.com/

Quick Lunch and Dinner Ideas for Healthy Meals on the Run – A valuable resource of more than just recipes - a complete guide to creating quick and delicious meals from ingredients you have on hand. http://drritamarie.com/classes/lunchdinner.htm

Quick and Easy Hearty Soups – warm, nourishing and deeply satisfying recipes for soups brimming with living food goodness. http://drritamarie.com/classes/soup.htm

Seasonal Specials: Halloween, Thanksgiving , Christmas and Hanukah recipe books and videos http://www.drritamarie.com/go/info


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http://www.drritamarie.com/go/courses

http://drritamarie.com/DehydrationBlissReplay.php

http://www.drritamarie.com/GreensClass.php

http://powerbreakfastideas.com/

http://drritamarie.com/classes/lunchdinner.htm

http://drritamarie.com/classes/lunchdinner.htm

http://drritamarie.com/classes/soup.htm

http://www.drritamarie.com/go/info


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