This session covered hormone health, anti-inflammatory eating, and lifestyle adjustments that can help reduce hormonal imbalances and related issues, including weight management and joint pain.
Key Discussion Points on Hormone Health and Lifestyle
1. Dietary Adjustments to Support Hormone Balance
Lisa emphasized the impact of diet on hormones, with particular attention to how certain foods can help balance key hormones like estrogen, cortisol, and progesterone.
- Leafy Greens: Greens reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels, which in turn helps manage belly fat and other effects of stress.
- Healthy Fats: Cold-pressed olive oil, avocados, raw nuts, and coconut oil support hormone production, particularly omega-rich fats. Avoid heating these fats to prevent altering their health benefits.
- Vitamin C-Rich Fruits: Foods like berries and citrus help regulate progesterone, a hormone essential for balance in both men and women.
2. Lifestyle Factors that Affect Hormones
- Sleep: Good sleep is crucial for hormone regulation, particularly thyroid function. Lisa emphasized the value of sleep before midnight and recommended aiming for a natural wake-up cycle without alarms.
- Stress Management: Cortisol, a stress hormone, can lead to weight gain and hormonal imbalance. She encouraged finding relaxation techniques, such as meditation, quiet time, or simply taking breaks, to help reduce cortisol.
- Chemicals in Personal Products: Many beauty, cleaning, and personal care products contain endocrine disruptors that can interfere with hormones. Lisa suggested gradually switching to non-toxic, natural products and avoiding plastics when possible.
3. Perimenopause and Menopause Support
The discussion highlighted that women often begin experiencing hormone shifts around their mid-40s, which can lead to weight gain, mood changes, and skin issues. Lisa recommended:
- Early Preparation: Start incorporating hormone-supporting foods and stress management practices in your 30s or early 40s.
- Daily Green Juices or Smoothies: Chlorophyll from dark leafy greens can support gut health, which in turn helps balance hormones and absorb nutrients effectively.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Tips for Joint Pain and Stubborn Weight
- Inflammatory Foods to Avoid: Processed foods, refined oils, and excessive alcohol can worsen inflammation and lead to pain or bloating.
- Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients: Foods high in chlorophyll, turmeric, ginger, and apple cider vinegar can help reduce joint pain. Lisa also recommended apple cider vinegar with water for immediate relief from joint inflammation.
- Importance of Fresh Produce: Nutrient absorption declines with age, especially post-50. Lisa advised increasing dark leafy greens and fresh produce intake to offset this and support inflammation control.
Product Spotlights and Q&A Highlights
- Protein Method: Aimed at highly active individuals or those needing additional protein support, with customized daily guides for low- and high-intensity workout days.
- Metabolism Boost Supplement: A capsule made with Raw Generation’s own dehydrated juice pulp combined with berberine, cinnamon, and ALC carnitine. Designed for blood sugar stability and metabolism support, it can be used with or without a cleanse.
- Instant Smoothie Detox Cleanse: This powder-based cleanse allows for convenient nutritional support with fruits, veggies, and nuts, ideal for on-the-go use. Lisa recommended blending it in plant-based milk for best results.
- Pressed Juices vs. Smoothies: Both juices and smoothies are beneficial, each with unique qualities. Juices are a more concentrated source of nutrition, while smoothies provide fiber and can be made at home easily with a blender.
Q&A Notable Insights
- Fiber in Juices: While pressed juices contain less fiber than smoothies, they still offer significant health benefits, especially for a concentrated nutrient boost. Lisa recommended both for a balanced approach.
- Fruit Sugar and Blood Sugar Concerns: Fruit sugars in whole foods and juices are different from refined sugars, as they are metabolized more efficiently and don’t spike blood sugar levels in the same way. Those with blood sugar sensitivity should drink juices slowly and avoid adding fats when consuming fruits.
- Apple Cider Vinegar for Inflammation: Adding raw apple cider vinegar to water can reduce inflammation, joint pain, and improve gut health. Lisa recommended Bragg’s brand, which retains the “mother” for optimal benefits.
Takeaway Tips for Hormone Health and Anti-Inflammatory Support:
- Incorporate leafy greens and healthy fats daily for balanced hormones and support against inflammation.
- Get ample sleep and create stress-management routines to prevent cortisol build-up.
- Switch to natural personal care products to avoid chemicals that disrupt hormone health.
- Consider Raw Generation’s Metabolism Boost and Protein Method for blood sugar and weight management support.
