Women's hormones, gut + metabolism

Sugar + Carbs are not causing (insert symptoms or disease here). So what is?

“Laura my blood sugar spikes after eating. I must be insulin resistant, I need to eliminate carbs”

Whoever decided that we needed to keep our blood sugar as low as possible literally has no idea how the body works. Your blood sugar going up after a meal is NORMAL. Shocking I know. We are fearing a natural, healthy response to food.

A genius idea…

How about we supply the body what it needs often and keep it steady throughout the entire day to prevent the blood sugar rollercoaster and stress response?

For as long as I can remember we have been blaming sugar and carbs for every health ailment known to man. How many times have you been told to “just eliminate carbs”

Let me ask you.

How can something be so detrimental to our health when it is what our bodies, our cells, require to function optimally? Really, think about it. Our bodies preferred + optimal source of fuel is glucose (sugar).

It’s all about consuming the right types of sugar + limiting PUFAs.

Hear me out.

PUFAs in your bloodstream compete with sugar + block your cells from being able to metabolize your blood sugar.

When we are no longer giving our body it’s preferred source of fuel, our body begins to release stress hormones to keep you alive + prevent your blood sugar from dropping too low.

First the rise of adrenaline triggers stored PUFAs to be released into your blood stream which then prevents your body from being able to use sugar promoting insulin resistance of the cell + cell death.

Then as cortisol rises + protein breaks down + glucose surges + it is blocked from entering your cells + then this causes more adrenaline to rise, which leads to more insulin resistance + more cell death.

It’s the stored PUFA, released by stress or hunger, that slow metabolism and cause your insulin “resistance,” carb intolerance or diabetes.

You are not addicted to sugar, your body is probably just craving nourishment from over-consumption of PUFAs that have been starving your cells of glucose.

Short term you may eliminate carbs + feel great (bandaid) until you don’t and your metabolism tanks, your thyroid sucks, your liver isn’t functioning, your digestion is terrible, + your hormones are wack.

Ready to join a community of like-minded women ending the war on their bodies and breaking free from diet culture? Ready to finally balance your hormones, understand your body, and become your own health advocate? Ready for unfiltered and uncensored wellness talks? Then you’re in the right place! Click here to learn more + enroll.

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Are Those Nuts + Seeds Serving You?

Nuts, seeds, fish oils, + vegetable oils are PUFAs or Polyunsaturated fats.

They are delicate and unstable, they react to heat, light and oxygen. They oxidize, go rancid + toxic in these environments aka the human body. This is science.

We know that excess estrogen in the body is linked to hormonal imbalances + cancer. So why would we eat PUFAs that mimic estrogen in the body? This is science.

Losing weight is a struggle for most yet we promote eating PUFAs that increase serotonin to signal the body that its time for hibernation. Bears eat nuts + seeds to fatten up in prep for hibernation. This is science.

We know insulin resistance is an issue + that people can’t utilize carbs well yet we promote nuts + seeds that store in our tissues + get released preventing us from using glucose appropriately. This is science.

Lots of people struggle with digestive issues, yet we are going to promote eating gut irritating, PUFAs that break down into prostaglandins + other inflammatory compounds that contribute to the issue. This is science.

PUFAs block digestive enzymes that inhibit the breakdown of protein. Protein is an important building block needed to make thyroid hormone. This is science.

PUFAs deplete us of vitamin E which is necessary to protect us from estrogen, help us use progesterone, + aids in the use of vitamin A. This is science.

PUFAs + iron mix to create a toxic storm called lipofuscin causing increased aging. This is science.

There is a scale of rancidity. Some nuts are less toxic than others. PUFAs found in their natural state, with their protective shell + protective vitamin E in tact are fine options but near impossible to find. Once it reaches the store all the protective qualities of a nut have been denatured.

I’m not here to start a debate over an almond. This is science and honestly, it’s just common sense.

The real problem is excess. Never in history have we consumed nuts all day long like we do now with all the gluten free products, packaged foods, nut milks, protein bars, nut cheeses, etc…

I’m not about eliminating all PUFAs, let’s be real. Moderation and awareness is key.

Why I No Longer Recommend Nuts + Seeds for Hormone Balance

I know. You’re SHOOK right?

One word: PUFAS, alright, well actually its a few words, PUFAS is short for Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids aka canola, soybean, peanut, corn, sunflower oils. I am sure these are oils you know you shouldn’t be consuming but are you aware that nuts, seeds, beans, grains and fish oil are also PUFAS? That’s right… Hemp seeds, flax seeds, almonds, brazil nuts, pine nuts, walnuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, cod liver oil, fish oil supplements, etc… Yup, all those “superfoods” that heath and wellness influencers love to promote in their daily smoothies are actually causing more harm than good. And don’t worry, I am guilty of this as well. I used to be ALL about the nuts. 🥜😜

So here’s the problem. In nature, PUFAS are designed to withstand the cold winter months and are not stable in warm, high oxygen environments meaning they will become toxic if exposed to heat. What has this hot, humid environment? THE HUMAN BODY! We sit at a nice 98.6 degrees. Talk about a toxic inflammatory storm!

PUFAS are unstable and oxidize when exposed to light, heat and oxygen. PUFAS slow your metabolism and contribute to insulin resistance. They are also estrogenic, leading to hormonal imbalances and estrogen dominance symptoms such as irregular periods, heavy periods, cramping, PMS, and sore breasts.
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GIRL, if you got PCOS or any hormonal imbalance ditch the PUFAS.

Another thing to consider- animals, ie, bears consume nuts, seeds, & fatty fish in prep for hibernation to put on fat and slow down their metabolism. Humans don’t hibernate.

I have clients that come to me drinking their almond milk lattes, seed cycling, eating smoothie bowls with all the nuts and they wonder why they can’t lose weight, have been diagnosed with PCOS or other hormonal imbalances and are also dealing with digestive issues. Girlfriend, your body is inflamed and in toxic overload.

And no nobody is perfect, neither am I, I def enjoy a good PUFA every now and then but I make it damn worth it. Shhhh I have a secret, I love to get down on some french fries and aioli👌🏻

But on the reg stick to saturated fats like coconut oil and grass-fed butter.