Gut Health and Hormones – Learn the Connection
The more we strive to learn how the body works, the more we realize the important role of a healthy and diverse gut.. We often underestimate how much the gut affects all aspects of health. Let’s explore how gut health and hormones are interconnected, and further emphasize the need to pay attention to your gut health.
We will quickly go over some of the hormones regulated by the gut until we hit the biggies.
Neurotransmitter Hormones
This is where the gut-brain connection comes from. Dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, and GABA are all made by the gut. These hormones influence sleep, focus, memory, mood, appetite, and emotions. Another reminder that a healthy gut will maintain healthy moods, focus, and mental clarity.
Gastrointestinal Hormones
These guys are important in regulating hunger and appetite. We’ve got ghrelin, leptin Glucagon like peptide 1 also know to many as GPL-1, and Glucagon like peptide 1 (PYY). Ghrelin is known as the “I’m hungry” hormone, while leptin is the “I’m full” hormone. Along with GPL-1 and PYY they control our appetite, energy balance as well as some storage. Keep your eye out for an in-depth discussion on these hormones is essential for understanding weight management at a later date.
HPA Hormones
The HPA axis is the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This is what regulates cortisol. While cortisol is not produced in the gut, the gut indirectly influences cortisol regulation through HPA hormones. Ensuring that we have the right amount of cortisol when we need it.
Gut Microbes and Estrogen Regulation
While our sex hormones are not directly produced in the gut, the bacteria that keeps them balanced is.
- Estrobolum, a group of microbes in your gut, that metabolize and regulate estrogen levels in your body. It not only controls how much estrogen is circulating in the body but also controls how much is excreted.
- Beta Glucuronidase and Estrogen Reabsorption When the gut microbiome is out of balance, it can lead to the overproduction of beta glucuronidase, an enzyme involved in digestion but also critical for hormone regulation. This enzyme’s role in digestion extends to hormones, specifically in the detoxification of estrogens and excess thyroid hormones. If the levels of beta glucuronidase become too high, it may result in the reabsorption of hormones and other toxins that should be excreted. Excessive reabsorption of hormones, especially estrogen, can lead to hormonal imbalances and various health issues. It’s essential to maintain a healthy balance in the gut to support effective detoxification pathways and prevent this hormone reabsorption
- Gut dysbiosis leads to hormonal imbalance plain and simple. When your gut microbiome is out of balance, it can lead to estrogen regulation issues. Gut health, or its lack (termed “gut dysbiosis”), contributes to imbalances between estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
- For some women with estrobolum being out of balance, can look like increased androgen and lower estrogen, like someone with PCOS. PCOS is now understood to be a form of insulin resistance, but it’s also influenced by estrobolum imbalances. The intricate connection between insulin resistance, gut dysbiosis, and hormonal imbalances underscores the need to address gut health when dealing with PCOS or similar issues.
- Postmenopausal women see the most dramatic effects of gut dysbiosis and hormonal imbalances. Many of the side effects associated with menopause are actually linked to gut problems, which, in turn, influence hormonal imbalances. Unfortunately, the gut’s role in these conditions is often overlooked, as we tend to focus solely on treating the symptoms, not the cause.
Thyroid Hormones and the Gut
We should no longer be surprised that gut bacteria also play a role in regulating thyroid hormones. A diverse set of gut bacteria is essential for maintaining optimal thyroid function. Imbalances in gut bacteria can lead to thyroid issues, such as hypothyroidism.
Research shows that individuals with hyperthyroidism tend to have low levels of bifidobacterium and lactobacillus, along with high levels of enterococcus, which are different types of bacteria. Restoring a balanced gut microbiome can lead to improvements in thyroid function and overall health.
The Path to a Balanced Gut
So, how do we achieve a balanced gut and harmonious hormone production? The answer is not in a magic pill but in our daily habits. Incorporating fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, fermented vegetables, and miso can help balance the gut microbiome naturally. Additionally, it’s crucial to provide a diverse array of different foods that promote a thriving gut ecosystem. Vary your diet and if you supplement make sure you are varying that up as well.
To Wrap it Up
The gut’s role in hormone production and balance is profound. From neurotransmitter hormones affecting mood to gastrointestinal hormones regulating appetite and gut microbes impacting sex hormones and thyroid function, the gut is a powerhouse of health. By prioritizing gut health and making conscious dietary choices, we can achieve better overall well-being. Remember, the path to good health starts with a balanced gut!
Related Episodes –
27 – Gut Health and Weight Loss – https://holistichealthmadesimple.com/gut-health-weight-loss/
12 – Nurture Your Gut – https://holistichealthmadesimple.com/nurture-your-gut/