Hormones play a critical role in stimulating appetite, adding extra weight, and slowing down your metabolism. If you are looking for a holistic nutritionist on Long Island, Carolina Brooks and Jacqueline Thompson are our certified nutritionists and dieticians at Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island. Contact us today to learn more about how hormonal imbalances can affect your diet.

Three Hormones that Affect Your Diet

  • Cortisol (the stress hormone) – Cortisol levels are released by the adrenal gland during stress. Lack of sleep, high levels of caffeine and alcohol, and even skipping meals can cause your cortisol levels to increase. Sugar-release triggered by high cortisol release stays in the bloodstream instead of entering cells for energy. This stimulates the brain to increase appetite and stress-eat. Hypercortisolism may be manifested as increased abdominal fat, high blood pressure, and easy bruising. Our specialists at Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island can provide you with a thorough evaluation and our FIT In Your GENES® Weight Loss Program to help you get back on track.
  • Estrogen and Androgens (including testosterone/DHEA) –  Certain medications, liver abnormalities, and use of drugs and alcohol can cause increased estrogen levels that lead to hair loss, bloating, and increased weight. Symptoms of high estrogen include memory loss, headaches, mood swings, decreased sex drive, and fatigue. Androgens including testosterone and DHEA can also cause hormonal deficiencies in the diet. Androgen excess is seen in polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, in which women may suffer from infertility, obesity, and acne. Androgen excess, especially DHEA, is related to increased weight and lowered metabolism.
  • Thyroid hormone (released by the thyroid gland) – Hypothyroidism is a common cause of weight gain in adults.  When your thyroid hormone is low, you may experience fatigue, weight gain, brittle hair, and decreased tolerance to heat.  Your metabolism is significantly slowed down and you may need to modify your diet based on this diagnosis. A good start is to visit our holistic nutritionist on Long Island at Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island.  Foods rich in iodine, selenium, and zinc, for example, may be necessary to activate your thyroid hormones.

Holistic Nutritionist on Long Island

Contact us today to find out how we can help you at Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island. We have nutrition services available to help you maintain a healthy weight, nutritional balance, and good attitude, to achieve your goals. Having a hormonal imbalance does not have to throw your lifestyle off. Take your first step towards feeling your best with our team at Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island.