3 Step Hormone Makeover

I found this article and the read is perfect. It is written by Vera Tweed. Here is the summary:

1. Solve the Food-Stress Syndrome
You can virtually eliminate the dietary trigger of physical stress and hormonal disruption by using food to keep blood sugar levels stable (controlling insulin). These are some key things to do:

• - Start the day with a breakfast that includes lean protein
• - Don't go terribly long between meals if you don't have a handle on your hormonal responses yet.
• - Throughout the day, avoid starchy and sugary foods and beverages sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners.
• - Eat lean (unless grass-fed) protein and vegetables at every meal.
• - If you drink regular or diet sodas, switch to herbal teas.
• - Take a good quality multivitamin and mineral supplement plus antioxidants to support healthy metabolism.
• - Exercise regularly and pick activities that reduce your stress levels.
• - Control stress in life. Give yourself a break to relax, if just for a few minutes, each day.

2. Avoid Toxins
For many years, scientists have known that toxins disrupt hormones in humans and wildlife, and in 1996, Congress passed a law requiring the EPA to screen chemical pesticides and other contaminant for their potential effect on hormones. However, such a program to test pesticides just began to be implemented in October 2009, and it will take some time for changes to occur.

• - When buying canned food, look for BPA-free cans. (Bisphenol A)
• - When choosing any products you put on your skin or use in your home, avoid those containing synthetic fragrance. Instead, select ones scented with essential oils or other natural ingredients.
• - Drink water that doesn't contain toxins.
• - Use refillable water bottles made without BPA.
• - For food storage, use BPA-free plastic containers or glass, ceramic, or metal ones. Look on the bottom of the container. Those with the numbers 3, 6, or 7 (the number is inside a triangle) are the worst sources of BPA.
• -Choose organic foods and beverages whenever possible.
• - Keep in mind that "microwave-safe" indicates a food container wont disintegrate in the microwave; there is no guarantee that toxins won't leach into the food.

3. Establish a Nutritional Foundation
Sound nutrition gives your body a foundation to withstand assaults from an imperfect diet and environmental toxins. While supplements can't replace a healthy lifestyle, they can certainly enhance one.

• - Multivitamin: A product that includes 50 to 100 mg of B1, 2, 3, 5, and 6, up to 1000mg of B12, 800 mcg of folic acid, 200 to 400 IU of a vitamin E-mixed tocopherol combination and at least 200 mcg of chromium.
• - Fish Oil: 3000 mg. (I recommend 1000 mg for every 20 pounds of body-weight)
• - Vitamin D: 1000 to 2000 IU (I recommend that for children and up to 6000 IU for adults).
• - Calcium: A total (from food and supplements) of 1000 mg up to age 50 and 1200 mg after that.
• - Magnesium: 400 mg (glycinate) or 600 mg (oxide) twice daily, with the second dose taken before bedtime for more restful sleep. If you experience diarrhea, cut back.
• - Vitamin C: 1000 to 2000 mg and up to 5000 mg during times of stress or illness.
• - CoQ10: After age 35, 50 mg, and 100 to 200 mg if you are overweight, have high blood pressure, or suffer from fatigue, diabetes, or heart disease.

And for specific situations:

• - PMS and menopausal symptoms: Black cohosh and GLA (gamma-linolenic acid).
• - Stress, mood, and sleep difficulties: 5-HTP and/or L-theanine. (I swear by this)
• - Digestive problems: Digestive enzymes.
• - Constipation: Ground flaxseed mixed in food.
• - Vaginal yeast infections: Probiotics.
• - Urinary tract infections: Pure, unsweetened organic cranberry juice.

This is very valuable information that you should seriously consider following. I am behind it adamantly. Sleep and stress control are two of the most important factors when living a healthy lifestyle. They are the two things I look at first when someone is not seeing results from a Paleolithic diet. It will put progress to a screeching halt. I promise you that. If you have stubborn belly fat, it is almost guaranteed to be a result of inadequate sleep and high stress.