5 Ways to Naturally Restore Gut Health and Regain Hormonal Balance
Are you tired of battling unexplained fatigue, digestive troubles, mood swings, and the constant struggle to maintain a healthy weight? Here is the unexpected revelation: leaky gut and hormonal imbalances might be the culprits behind your concerns.
Leaky gut syndrome and hormonal imbalances are formidable health concerns that can disrupt your overall well-being. But even though these are separate conditions, we’re here to unravel the intricate connections that bind them together and provide you with valuable insights to heal your gut and your hormones.
We will dive into the depths of leaky gut and hormonal imbalances, shedding light on their complex interplay. And, if you’re a woman on birth control or transitioning off it, this blog is tailored to address your unique challenges as well.
Prepare to take back control of your well-being as we unlock the secrets and equip you with practical knowledge to conquer the grip of leaky gut and hormonal imbalances so that you can embrace a healthier, more vibrant life.
What is leaky gut?
Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, is a condition that affects the lining of the intestines.
Think of the intestinal lining as a tightly woven net or a protective wall. In a healthy gut, the net or lining acts as a barrier, allowing necessary nutrients to be absorbed into the bloodstream while keeping out harmful substances like toxins, undigested food particles, and bacteria.
When the net or intestinal lining becomes compromised, the “holes” or gaps in the net become larger, allowing things to slip through that shouldn’t. This breach in the gut barrier can allow harmful substances to enter the bloodstream, leading to inflammation, autoimmunity, food sensitivities, and other health issues.
Causes of Leaky Gut
Several factors can contribute to the development of leaky gut. Here are some common factors that may contribute to increased intestinal permeability:
- Inflammatory foods - sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, processed and fried foods, artificial sweeteners, vegetable oils, refined carbohydrates, and sometimes gluten-containing grains.
- Chronic inflammation
- Imbalanced gut microbiome (dysbiosis)
- Prolonged use of medications
- Chronic stress
- Environmental toxins
- Food sensitivities
- Gut infections
Signs and Symptoms of Leaky Gut
Leaky gut syndrome can manifest with various signs and symptoms that vary from person to person. Some signs and symptoms associated with leaky gut include:
- Digestive issues – abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and/or constipation
- Food sensitivities
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Fatigue and low energy
- Low libido
- Weight changes
- Joint pain and muscle aches
- Skin issues – acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rashes
- Mood disorders
- Autoimmune conditions – Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus
- Sleep disturbances
The Impacts of Leaky Gut on the Body
Leaky gut can have various impacts on the body. Here’s a breakdown of how it can impact your health:
- Inflammation: Leaky gut causes ongoing inflammation in the body, leading to problems like joint pain, skin issues (rashes, acne, etc), and autoimmune diseases.
- Nutrient Absorption: When your gut lining is compromised, it can affect how well your body absorbs essential nutrients from food, resulting in nutrient deficiencies.
- Food Sensitivities and Allergies: Leaky gut can make your immune system more sensitive to certain foods, leading to sensitivities, intolerances and even allergies.
- Gut Microbiome Imbalance: Leaky gut can disrupt the balance of your gut bacteria, leading to digestive issues and other health problems.
- Impact on the Liver and Brain: Leaky gut can affect the liver and brain, leading to liver dysfunction and problems with mood, cognition, and sleep.
- Autoimmune Conditions: Leaky gut has been associated with autoimmune diseases.
Leaky Gut and Hormone Imbalances
The connection between gut health and hormone imbalances is intricate and multifaceted, and their complex interplay can significantly impact your overall well-being.
Here are some key aspects of the connection between gut health and hormone imbalances:
Gut Microbiome and Hormone Metabolism
The gut microbiome (and estrobolome) plays a vital role in hormone metabolism. Beneficial bacteria help break down and eliminate hormones (particularly estrogen), maintaining a healthy balance. Disruption of the gut microbiome can impair proper hormone metabolism, causing imbalances.
Inflammation and Hormonal Disruption
Poor gut health can trigger chronic inflammation, disrupting hormone-producing glands and organs, such as ovaries, thyroid, and adrenal glands, leading to imbalances in estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and other hormones.
Nutrient Absorption and Hormonal Balance
A healthy gut lining is essential for optimal nutrient absorption. When compromised, it can lead to nutrient deficiencies that affect hormone production, as specific nutrients are required to synthesize and regulate hormones.
Gut-Brain Axis and Hormone Regulation
The gut and brain communicate through the gut-brain axis. Gut-produced hormones, like serotonin, influence mood, and overall hormonal balance. Disruptions in the gut can affect the gut-brain axis, impacting hormone regulation and contributing to mood disorders.
Gut Health
Estrogen dominance, a condition characterized by an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone, can be influenced by gut health. A compromised gut can impair the elimination of excess estrogen from the body, leading to “estrogen dominance” and associated symptoms.
Impact of Birth Control on Gut Health
Using oral birth control can affect gut health and potentially lead to the development or worsening of leaky gut. Here’s what you should know about the impact of birth control on your gut health:
- Gut Microbiome Changes: Birth control can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut, impacting the helpful bacteria.
- Leaky Gut Concerns: Some studies suggest that birth control can increase intestinal permeability risk, leading to leaky gut.
- Nutrient Absorption: Birth control can cause nutrient deficiencies that affect your gut health and overall well-being.
- Digestive Symptoms: Some women experience digestive issues like bloating, gas, or changes in bowel movements while taking birth control, which can be related to changes in gut bacteria and hormone levels caused by contraceptives.
- Mood and Mental Well-being: Changes in gut bacteria due to birth control might influence your mood and mental health.
- Inflammation and Immune Response: Birth control can trigger inflammation in the gut, damaging the gut lining and contributing to leaky gut. The immune system can also react to the leaked substances, leading to immune responses and potential health issues.
When you stop taking birth control, it can also impact gut health. Discontinuing birth control allows your gut to restore its natural balance, reduce inflammation, and support a healthier gut lining. It can also improve nutrient absorption and overall gut health. For more on this, check out how to prepare your body to get off birth control.
Keep in mind that the impacts of birth control or discontinuing birth control on gut health can vary. Talk with your care provider for personalized guidance if you have any concerns or experience gut-related symptoms.
5 Ways to Naturally Restore Gut Health and Hormonal Balance
Restoring gut health and achieving hormonal balance are essential for overall well-being.
Here are five natural ways to help restore your gut health and promote hormonal balance:
1. Root Cause
Identifying the underlying root cause of leaky gut is crucial to effectively address leaky gut and reduce your triggers. This can involve various factors, including the possible impact of birth control. If dysbiosis is present, treating it becomes a priority.
One way to gain valuable insights into your gut health is by getting a comprehensive stool analysis conducted by a qualified naturopathic or functional medicine practitioner. This analysis can provide valuable information about your gut microbiome’s state, potential infections, inflammation markers, and digestive function. My preferred test is BiomeFx by Microbiome Labs.
2. Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet
To support gut health, focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods rich in nutrients while avoiding inflammatory foods. A diet rich in a variety of veggies offers a variety of different fiber type, which supports a diversity in your microbiome - this is key to a happy gut!!
Also, focus on eating fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi to support the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Additionally, include prebiotic-rich foods such as onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, bananas, and oats to nourish and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Limiting processed and refined foods and potential allergens or sensitivities like gluten, dairy, soy, and artificial additives to reduce inflammation. Furthermore, support your liver, which is involved in estrogen metabolism, by incorporating liver-friendly foods such as cruciferous vegetables and antioxidant-rich foods.
3. Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Restoring the function of the vagus nerve is HUGE when addressing leaky gut, as it plays a significant role in digestive processes. The vagus nerve signals our digestive organs, enabling proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and gut motility. It also helps maintain the balance of the gut microbiome and regulate immune responses in the gut.
How to stimulate the vagus nerve:
- Create a mindful eating environment by eating without distractions.
- Settle in to your mealtime and take a few deep breaths before each meal to establish communication between the vagus nerve and your stomach, pancreas, liver, and GI tract.
- Incorporate bitters into your diet to promote the production of digestive juices, bile flow, and peristalsis (the muscle contractions that move food and fluids through your digestive tract).
4. Manage Stress
Managing stress is essential for promoting gut health and hormonal balance. It’s not just about reducing stress levels, which may not always be possible to the extent we desire. It’s also about equipping our bodies with tools for resilience.
Here are some stress management strategies to consider:
- Meditation, mindfulness, and breathwork (Insight Time is a great resource!)
- Prioritize quality, consistent sleep
- Find enjoyable forms of movement
Finding healthy outlets to manage stress can support both gut health and hormonal balance.
5. Consider Targeted Supplements
Supplementation can play a significant role in sealing up leaky gut and restoring the integrity of the gut lining. Here are some key supplements and nutrients that can support this process:
- Probiotics: I recommend spore-based probiotics and specific strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus, L. reuterii, and Bifidobacterium longum to re-seed the gut and support hormonal balance.
- Immunoglobulins: Consider immunoglobulins to help with dysbiosis and regulate the immune response.
- Polyphenols: Incorporate polyphenol-rich foods and supplements to strengthen the gut barrier.
- Amino acids and mucosal-support herbs: Support the gut lining by consuming amino acids like L-proline, L-serine, L-cysteine, and L-threonine, along with herbs such as marshmallow, slippery elm, aloe vera, okra, and licorice.
- Zinc Carnosine: Take zinc carnosine to enhance gut integrity and healing.
It’s important to consult with your care provider for personalized guidance and dosages when incorporating supplements into your routine.
Reclaim Your Power: Balancing Hormones with a Gut Reset Program
Are you tired of struggling with leaky gut and hormonal imbalances that affect your physical, emotional, and psychological well-being?
If you want to feel better, understand your hormones, and reset your gut, you’re in the right place.
Set up an alignment call with Dr. Jenna to find out more about what’s involved in a gut reset to finally heal your leaky gut and rebalance your hormones!
Let’s unlock happy hormones and embrace balanced bodies together, ladies!
Please note that the information provided here is for general educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are considering discontinuing birth control (or any other medication) or starting a new supplement, please consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare providers. Your doctor can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and health status.
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