Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/800850
Adaptogen herbs are a unique class of healing plants that promote hormone balance and protection the body from a wide variety of diseases, including those caused by excess stress. In addition to boosting immune function and combating stress, research shows that various adapotogens — such as ashwagandha, medicinal mushrooms, rhodiola and holy basil — can: • Improve thyroid function • Lower cholesterol naturally • Reduce anxiety and depression • Reduce brain cell degeneration • Stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels • Support adrenal gland functions 3. Balance Your Intake of Omega-3 to Omega-6 Fats Since the early 20th century, the use of refined vegetable oils and intake of omega-6 fatty acids in our diets have skyrocketed. Because people didn't also boost their intake of omega-3 foods during this time period, the result has been drastically elevated omega-6 levels. There has been an onslaught of chronic diseases caused by inflammatory processes literally take over our society, and a major reason why is because of very disproportionate fatty acids in the Western modern diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are a large component of brain-cell membranes and are important for cell- to-cell communication in the brain. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids help protect against hippocampal neuronal loss and reduce pro-inflammatory responses. Research from Pennsylvania State University suggests that jumping from a ratio of 1:1 omega-3/omega-6s (the ratio our hunter-gather ancestors mostly enjoyed) to the astronomical ratio between 10:1 and 20:1 (omega-3/omega-6s) is one of the primary dietary factors causing many diseases in America. Here's a rule of thumb: Be sure to steer clear from oils high in omega-fats (safflower, sunflower, corn, cottonseed, canola, soybean and peanut), and load up on rich sources of natural omega-3s instead (wild fish, chia seeds, walnuts and grass-fed animal products). There is a type of omega-6 fat you want to try and get in your diet called GLA. GLA (gamma-linoleic acid) can be taken in supplement form by using evening primrose oil or borage oil, and it's also found in hemp seeds. Studies show supplementing with GLA can support healthy progesterone levels. 4. Improve Gut Health & Heal Leaky Gut Syndrome Leaky gut is a condition that not only affects your digestive tract, but also causes hormone issues. Gut problems have been found to trigger autoimmune reactions, including arthritis and thyroid disorders. So what exactly is leaky gut syndrome? When undigested food particles, like gluten for example, leak through your gut into your bloodstream, it causes disease- causing inflammation that impacts the entire body — especially glands like the thyroid, which is very susceptible to heightened inflammation. Most people with leaky gut have a deficiency of probiotics in their guts. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that can actually improve your production and regulation of key hormones like insulin, ghrelin and leptin. Page 12| Abby's Magazine - www.AbbysHealthAndNutrition.com