Brain health is highly dependent on hormones and hormone balance. Without them, true brain health cannot exist. With that in mind, this article is intended to help women understand their unique hormone systems and their impact on the brain. In this article we discuss estrogen, testosterone, serotonin, dopamine, cortisol and octopamine.
Estrogen and estrogen derivative hormones
It is well known that women produce significant amounts of estrogen and estrogen derivative hormones, including estradiol, progesterone, estrone and estriol. Estrogen and its derivatives play a crucial role in the female body, affecting a woman’s ability to bear and care for children. Estrogen, often called the beauty hormone, is essential for collagen production, skin health and maintaining a youthful appearance. However, excess estrogen can lead to negative symptoms such as moodiness, depression, confusion, obesity (especially in the abdomen), irregular periods, lack of sleep and an increased risk of breast and uterine cancer. Balance is key when it comes to estrogen levels.
Testosterone is also crucial
Moving on to testosterone, while estrogen is the better known hormone for women, testosterone is also crucial. Women’s ovaries and adrenal glands produce testosterone, which is then converted into estrogen and its derivatives. Low testosterone levels can result in decreased energy, cloudy brain function, difficulty speaking, low libido, muscle pain, weight gain, exhaustion and difficulty concentrating. The lower the testosterone level, the more severe these symptoms become.
Serotonin and Dopamine
Serotonin is the hormone responsible for relaxation and confidence in life. It enables individuals to face challenges with a positive attitude and maintain a sense of control over their lives. Dopamine, on the other hand, is the hormone that stimulates motivation and feelings of satisfaction. It is essential for both mental and physical functions, but an imbalance can lead to catastrophic consequences. Low dopamine levels can result in extreme feelings of emptiness, while high levels can lead to addictive behavior. Octopamine and cortisol are hormones that counteract the positive effects of serotonin and dopamine. They are associated with feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and depression. Excessive production of these hormones can weaken the immune system and lead to several health problems. Balancing these hormones is essential for overall well-being.
To maintain a healthy hormone balance, it is important to engage in activities that promote the production of testosterone, serotonin and dopamine. Leg exercises, such as running, sprinting, squats, lunges, calf raises and stair climbing, are effective in stimulating natural testosterone production. These exercises also help keep muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons strong and flexible.
To boost serotonin naturally, first pull your shoulders back and your head up (constantly looking down means you’re producing too much octopamine). Looking up can take some practice if you’re not used to it. You will have to remind yourself of it often until it becomes a habit. Other activities that are good for the production of serotonin and dopamine are laughter, sunshine (vitamin D) and rapid response exercises. Boxing is a good suggestion to stimulate the production of serotonin and dopamine. It will exhaust you quickly, but leave you satiated with positive hormones. You will need two pairs of 16 oz boxing gloves. The 16 oz boxing gloves are heavily padded and provide excellent protection against injuries. They are also heavy and give your arms, shoulders and the entire upper body a good workout. All these activities stimulate the production of serotonin and dopamine and also reduce octopamine and cortisol.
Herbs, supplements and foods that stimulate the natural production of testosterone, serotonin and dopamine:
- American or Asian Ginseng, Avena Sativa (Oat Straw), Aloe Vera, Raspberry Leaf, Calamus Root, Gotu Kola, Ashwagandha, Ginkgo Biloba, Damiana Leaf, Schizandra Berry, Tribulous (Goat’s Head Plant), St. John’s Wort and Alfalfa Leaf. Essential nutrients include organic calcium and minerals, vitamin D3 (from the sun or supplements), B vitamins and enzymes.
- Foods that are good for testosterone, serotonin and dopamine production include raw eggs (boiled eggs are also good, just not as potent), broccoli, watermelon (especially the rind), sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts, cocoa or dark chocolate, and any fresh meat that has been properly raised. The biggest problem with meat is that most animals are raised on hormones to make them grow faster, and those hormones have the opposite effect on our testosterone, serotonin and dopamine. High-quality whole milk is also extremely beneficial for our hormones. All hormones are made of fat and the fat in milk is perfect for our needs. The problem with milk is the same as with meat. If the cow receives milk-stimulating hormones, this has a negative effect.
Dopamine is different, and although it is stimulated by the same herbs, foods and exercises as testosterone and serotonin, it can still be much harder to control. If you are struggling with depression or addiction, you need specific help for those problems. Take care of your hormones and have an energetic and productive day.
The content of this article comes from Better World Botanicals. If you would like more information about anything mentioned in this article, please contact one of their trusted agents at 740-492-1880.
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