Food plays significant role in shaping gut flora as well as protecting against leaky gut and other gut issues.
The gut and our hormones continuously communicate.
They work together to keep our bodies run smoothly. Our intestinal cells have special receptors for hormones that allow them to sense hormonal fluctuations.
Both estrogen and progesterone impact gut motility & peristalsis – the movement of the intestines that directs food from your stomach down through your intestines. Many women often notice changes in their bowel patterns before and during their menstrual cycle.
Scientific research has demonstrated that gut microbes regulate many aspects of human physiology, including absorption of nutrients from food, and immunity reactions. In addition, recent studies suggest that gut microbes play another crucial role in the human body by regulating circulating estrogen levels. Thus, the gut imbalance can influence the risk of developing estrogen-related diseases such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, breast cancer, and prostate cancer.
The estrobolome is the collection of microbes capable of metabolizing estrogens. The estrobolome modulates the enterohepatic circulation of estrogens and affects circulating and excreted estrogen levels. Microbes in the estrobolome produce beta-glucuronidase, an enzyme that deconjugates estrogens into their active forms. Beta-glucuronidase activity produces active, unbound estrogen that is capable of binding to estrogen receptors and influencing estrogen-dependent physiological processes. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27107051)Lets look at the steps of estrogen cycle:
- Estrogen is produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands and fatty tissue
- Estrogens circulate in the blood, making their way to tissues in the breasts, brain, bones, and uterus
- Estrogens travel to the liver, where they are broken down and metabolized
- Detoxified estrogens are deposited in bile which is secreted into the intestines, and exits the body with the stool
Restore Gut Health and Balance your Hormones with Irina through 21-Day Cleanse
Research shows the Western diet, high in inflammatory fats and sugar while being low in nutrient-dense foods, can adversely impact gut flora balance.
Here are some hormone-balancing strategies:
- Adaptogenic Herbs
- Detox organ support
- Anti-inflammatory foods
- Antioxidants
- Foods high in fiber
- Nutrient-rich foods
- Fermented foods/Probiotics
