Read about how nutrition influences your hormones
Nutrition can influence hormones in several ways. The most important is by altering the types and amounts of nutrients that your body needs. This can affect the amount of hormones your body produces, and it can also affect how long they remain active in your system.
Your hormones are made up of proteins or peptides (small chains of amino acids). Your body uses them to regulate many different processes including growth, metabolism, reproduction, and mood. Some hormones are produced by glands in your body, while others are produced by specialised cells called endocrine glands.
Nutrients can influence hormone production by affecting the levels of amino acids that make up these proteins. For example, if you don't get enough protein in your diet, you may be less likely to make enough thyroid hormones for optimal health.
The role of nutrition in hormones is complex. Some nutrients, like calcium and vitamin D, are required for healthy bones. Others, like iron and selenium, play a role in the formation of red blood cells. Still others, like vitamin C and carotenoids, help with immune function.
Here are few nutrients which influences hormones –
1. Iron
Hormones that increase during puberty help us grow by increasing our blood volume and protein synthesis. Iron deficiency during childhood can result in delayed growth and bone maturation, which can affect bone health later in life. Read More...