Hormone Trifecta

Yesterday Jillian Michael's was a guest on the show The Doctors. She gave tons of info on how to take control of your body. I have really come to appreciate the kind of trainer that Jillian is. I know she is harsh but she tells it like it is, and sometimes that is what it takes to get things done.

Here is a little synopsis of what was on the show-

Hormone Trifecta

Three of the most important hormones are cortisol, estrogen and thyroid.

Cortisol

Cortisol is secreted by the adrenal glands and helps regulate blood pressure, insulin release, glucose metabolism, immune function and inflammatory response. Cortisol is often referred to as the stress hormone, due to the fact that its production increases sharply when a person is stressed, be it briefly, fight or flight mode, or chronically.

Elevated Levels of Cortisol Will:
• Increase blood pressure
• Increase cravings for high-fat, high-carb foods
• Increase visceral fat around the midsection

How to Balance Cortisol Levels:
• Get enough sleep
• Limit caffeine intake to less than 400mg per day
• Refrain from alcohol consumption
• Increase vitamin C intake
• Practice relaxation techniques

Estrogen

Estrogen is a class of steroid hormones that includes estrodial, estriol and estrone. Estrogen is produced in a woman’s ovaries, and functions as the primary female sex hormone. It affects many aspects of the female body, including skin, bone, mood, menstruation and fertility. “A lot of the chemicals in your immediate environment, whether it’s skincare, hair care [products] or even plastics that you’re drinking out of or eating out of can create something called xenoestrogens in the body,” Jillian says. “It’s essentially a chemical that mimics hormones, and this is where your estrogen levels get out of balance in dangerous ways.”

How to Balance Estrogen Levels:
• Use BPA-free plastic
• Don’t store food in plastic
• Don’t microwave food in plastic containers
• Avoid processed soy
• Try to use all-natural cleaning products and beauty products
• Eat foods high in flavonoids, such as black olives, apples and onions
• Eat foods high in soluble and insoluble fibers, such as apples, beans, oats and leafy greens

Thyroid

The thyroid gland produces and stores hormones that help regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and metabolism. Thyroid hormones are essential for proper cellular function throughout the body. “The thyroid is the master gland of metabolism, or energy, and if it’s not in balance, it literally can affect every part of your body,” plastic surgeon Dr. Drew Ordon says. When the thyroid is over-secreting hormones, it can cause weight loss, anxiety, depression, mood changes, high blood pressure and bulging eyes. If the thyroid gland is underperforming, a person can experience weight gain, fatigue, lethargy, depression, skin changes and thinning hair. “When it comes to thyroid, again, avoid soy,” Jillian says. “Soy has something in it called phytic acid, which can block mineral absorption, and minerals are critical to the function of your thyroid. Minerals [such as] selenium, iodine and zinc.”

How to Balance Thyroid Levels:
• Eat foods high in minerals, such as mixed nuts, cashews, sunflower seeds and yogurt
• Eat foods high in zinc such as beef, lamb, pork and salmon

Jillian’s Top Ten Power Foods

Master your metabolism with Jillian’s 10 power foods-

1. Blueberries: high in antioxidants, and help fight fat and reduce blood pressure.
2. Oats: high in antioxidants, and help fight fat and reduce blood pressure.
3. Yogurt: high in calcium, helps boost the immune system and maintains healthy bacteria and yeast levels in the body.
4. Black beans: high in protein and fiber and helps with weight loss.
5. Salmon: high in zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids and helps maintain heart health.
6. Spinach: high in vitamins B6 and B12 and helps maintain heart health.
7. Garlic: boosts the immune system and helps lower cholesterol levels.
8. Tomatoes: high in fiber, vitamin C and lycopene.
9. Broccoli: high in fiber and vitamins A and C.
10. Walnuts: high in protein, B vitamins, magnesium and fiber, and help lower cholesterol.

Click here for some of Jillian's favorite recipes-
http://www.thedoctorstv.com/main/show_synopsis/418?section=feature&title=Jillians%20Recipes