We all know sugar isn’t good for us…but did you know that elevated sugar levels can actually impact your hormone levels and age important organs faster? When we eat refined sugar, it causes a glucose level spike—triggering a large insulin release to level the spike. This dramatic up and down glucose cycle is wearing on the body causing it to age faster. And, according to Dr. Troy Spurill from the Synapse Center for Health and Healing, it aggravates the female reproductive system and can lead to irregular hormone levels connected to difficult and irregular cycles. Keeping your blood sugar levels within a healthy range can be quite simple (in the absence of diabetes). Protein breaks down slower than carbs and simple sugars. Including a protein every time you eat, even if it’s a quick snack, helps maintain the gentle rise and fall in glucose levels your body was created for. See below for tips on adding more protein to your diet. Ashley is one of our own here at MMH and we appreciate her sharing a bit of her health journey. “I have had to deal with major hormone imbalance and extreme pain during certain parts of the month and I learned quite a lot along the way. If you have hypoglycemic tendencies like me, it is all the more important to maintain sugar balance. Eating smaller meals several times a day will help your body maintain those levels without putting extra strain on your adrenals and other hormone producing organs. This will also help increase your metabolism. I love to eat. If you say “snack” my eyes light up and I get teased around here for it! I can out eat all the shipping boys in a days time, but I’m not overweight and I’m very thoughtful about what enters my body. The rule is: if I have it, I will eat it. I have learned to only keep healthy snacks around so when the hunger hits, I feed my body what it needs to thrive. I keep a drawer full of snacks right at my desk filled with mixed nuts, a variety of teas and other healthy snacks. Ok, and a piece a dark chocolate for when it calls…I’m snacking as I write this. Eating with my blood sugar levels in mind has changed my life.” Sometimes you need a little help in making better food choices. Strong sugar cravings can be caused by yeast overgrowth, a yeast cleanse (Yeast X) often reduces these cravings. The herbs in Weight Control can also be a big help in curbing the cravings. Simple ways to get more clean protein Eggs are good for you, they are among the most nutritious foods on the planet. With only a trace of carbs, but rich in protein, healthy fats and vitamins, they will not raise blood glucose levels. Soaked or sprouted nuts, beans, seeds, quinoa, lentils, organic chicken, turkey, beef, bison, elk, and wild caught fish are great, clean sources of protein. Hormone-balancing healthy fats like Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is incredibly healing to the skin. It’s fatty acids are great building blocks for normal hormone production. Avocados are rich in the healthy fat that helps our body absorb and use nutrients They are also full of fiber, potassium, magnesium vitamin E, B-vitamins, and Folic acid - all essential for maintaining hormonal balance. Raw butter provides a rich source of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K2. These nutrients are key building blocks. Olive and seed oils: High in triglycerides, these oils are rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. Try adding a few teaspoons per day of olive oil, fermented cod liver oil, hemp seed oil, or flax-seed oil. Antioxidant-rich vegetables: Dark green and brightly colored such as asparagus, broccoli, spinach, collard greens, cabbage, cucumbers, bell peppers, red cabbage, red/white onions, tomatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, butternut squash, and turnips. Healing spices such as Cinnamon, Turmeric, Cayenne, Cumin, Garlic, and Ginger add both flavor and nutrition to your meal! This blog is produced for educational purposes only and is strictly the opinion of the authors. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as medical advice in any form, nor should it be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or other complication. The information provided here should not be acted upon without proper consideration and input from one’s own health care professional. Before using any herbal supplements, or following any suggestions provided here, consult your health care professional.