Woman Code - Nutrition

If you are in need of a wake up call to start eating healthier, well here it is. Many of us are quick to forget that our diet and what we put into our body is very important, for it is our main source for our energy and vital nutrients. I know I can honestly say that I tend to not listen to my body’s messages such as headaches, nausea, and hunger sometimes and simply brush them away, when I should be taking the initiative to notice why I have those symptoms in the first place. 

Females in our current society are pressured to have the perfect body. On top of that we are to maintain that body by following certain diets and fads such as no carbs, low-fat diets, all juice cleaners, and even worse, fasting. Hunger alone is very detrimental to your organs and mental health. When one exhibits signs of hunger and still does not consume food, the body goes into overdrive and the organs have to overcompensate. The pancreas creates Glucose (sugar). The liver turns it into Glycogen, which is a form of energy that muscles rely on. However when hunger signals the liver, it starts to restore the Glycogen back into Glucose, and enters the bloodstream. Over time it conditions the liver to work less efficiently and it cannot detoxify our blood at a normal rate. 

Food is the key medicine to most symptoms and endocrine health. I am sure that plenty of us have questioned whether it was beneficial to buy organic over the cheaper store brand foods when grocery shopping. The nutritional value of organic food is nearly identical to commercially produced food, but does not include added ingredients and toxins. Consider this, the most important things to choose for organic are fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, strawberries, pears, melons, all leafy greens, all kinds of potatoes, peppers, and more. Because those foods are readily edible they contain large amounts of farming pesticides and growth hormones. Choosing naturally and locally sourced produce is the way to go. If you are thinking about planting your own vegetables, herbs, and fruits, pot them in clean soil and gather water from the ground when possible. 

It is also important to be conscious of where your proteins such as beef, poultry, and dairy are coming from. It is best to purchase from farms where the animals are organically fed with foods that do not contain antibiotics or growth hormones, and where they live in stress-free environments, and are able to roam around. 

When you ingest hormone residue and pesticide/fertilizer the risk for infertility and breast cancer increases. If you are purchasing dairy (milk) make sure that it was properly pasteurized. It is good to note that beef is safe to eat, but remember the appropriate portions, serving sizes, and correct cooking temperatures. 

Americans are what we call “Over fed, but undernourished”. Many of us are eating fast food or prepackaged foods and missing out on the needed micronutrients that influence the release and elimination of certain hormones. It is crucial to eat foods that are high in fiber, vitamin B12, and folic acid. Women typically lack the proper amount that the body needs in general for these specific vitamins, not to mention medications and birth controls decrease the amounts even more. It can be easy to get your daily dose of vitamins through specific natural foods such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, kale, spinach, peas, chickpeas, kidney beans, liver, beetroot, egg yolk, clams, cheese, and some breakfast cereals. 

Pay attention to how your mood, energy level, and physical body after eating certain foods. Many of us have an intolerance or allergy that we do not notice and continue to consume. This can cause discomfort and problems in the HPA axis (in the brain) which regulates digestion. It is also beneficial to be aware of certain cravings and binge eating, and reliance on coffee, soda, and alcohol, all often indicate that one is feeling overwhelmed and stressed. A recent study showed that women who drank a glass of wine everyday experienced longer, heavier, and more difficult menstruations than women who drank less or no wine at all. Switch to water or liquids that have electrolytes and minerals in them instead. The recommended water intake is around 64 to 88 ounces a day. When you are hydrated your body is able to retain minerals and it boosts your overall internal and external performance.

Listen to your body, stop and recognize odd symptoms, and understand the language of hormones. Learn about food groups and shift lifestyle habits. To help bring your endocrine system back into balance, try eating balanced meals, drinking water, avoiding tolerances and cravings, as well as remembering to always wash fruits and veggies and soak them in vinegar beforehand if you are able to. Building a better relationship with your body and food, for the short and long term benefits, will make you feel more energized, happy, and improves your livelihood.