Hormones, Health & Sex
         For Men & Women- Keeping Hormones In Check

Hunger and Hormones You may already know that we eat when we are hungry or for emotional reasons from boredom to being upset or depressed... but did you know that you can over eat because of an imbalance of your hormones? Your hormones can make you feel hungry even when you are not. This can be a result of a cortisol increase. Cortisol is a hormone that is released in order to provide your body with energy and to respond to mental and physical challenges (it is often released when someone is under stress). The more cortisol that is released, the more it can produce insulin (also referred to as the body's "fat hormone").

Lisa S. Lawless, Ph.D., C.E.O. Holistic Wisdom Founder

However, when you have excessive amounts of it, the body gets signals to store fat rather than use it for energy. The result is often weight gain which turns to more stress, which keeps the cycle going.

Craving Fat Due To Low Endorphin Levels

When we eat fat, we may notice a feeling of overall pleasure. This can be created from the higher concentrations of endorphins that are released when we eat things like potato chips and other foods high in fat. The following are ways you can address this-

• If you follow a regular exercise program, you can burn calories, release pleasurable endorphins which in turn reduces cortisol levels.
• Remember that great sex is a form of exercise and can release endorphins. One study has shown that people who engage in sexual intercourse up to five times per week actually looked noticeably younger then those who had sex twice a week due to an increase in beta-endorphins in the brain.
• Foods that release endorphins are chocolate, wine and hot chili peppers.
• Alternative forms of health care also have been shown to realize endorphins such as Acupuncture, meditation, and massages.
• Types of non-sexual exercise that work well are aerobic workouts, tae bo, running, cycling, tennis, and swimming long distances. If you workout for a long period of time you are bound to catch the euphoric feeling, and reap all the benefits. Quick workouts and weight lifting do not release endorphins as effectively.

Craving Sugar Due To Low Serotonin Levels

Another hormone, serotonin can make us feel calm, confident and relaxed. When our serotonin levels get low, we can feel nervous, irritable and stressed. We can also begin struggling with cravings for sugar. Having whole grain breads, fruit and yogurt can help serotonin levels with far less calories with better health effects then something high in simple sugars.

Need More Protein For Low Dopamine Levels

Low dopamine levels can make us feel mentally foggy. That is why it is important to get adequate protein as we will notice that we will become mentally sluggish without it. The best way to raise dopamine levels, get plenty of lean protein in you diet.

Make A Resolution

Understanding that your health affects all parts of your life can motivate you to make a resolution to take better care of yourself. Overall health in and out of the bedroom is contingent on a healthy diet with lean protein, whole grains, vegetables fruit and vitamin supplements, exercise, de-stressing activities such as massage and meditation and best of all... sexual release.