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9 Tips to Help Balance Hormones

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9 Tips to Help Balance Hormones 9 Tips to Help Balance Hormones

When it comes to health, hormones and gut bacteria have a much bigger effect than many people realize. In fact, these two factors can destroy health even if everything else (diet, supplements, etc) is optimized. Conversely, fixing hormones and gut bacteria can do a lot to boost health, even if not all the other factors are optimal. In fact, there are even studies about using certain hormone reactions to heal brain trauma.

If you doubt the very real power of hormones to affect everything from mood, to weight, to bowel health, ask the nearest pregnant woman if she’s noticed any difference in these areas since being pregnant. Or ask the nearest 13 year old girl… carefully…

If you have symptoms like fatigue, skin issues, weight gain, weight around the middle, trouble sleeping, always sleeping, PMS, endometriosis, infertility, PCOS or other issues, chances are you have hormone imbalance!

What are Hormones?

“Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers. They travel in your bloodstream to tissues or organs. They work slowly, over time, and affect many different processes, including

  • Growth and development
  • Metabolism – how your body gets energy from the foods you eat
  • Sexual function
  • Reproduction
  • Mood

Endocrine glands, which are special groups of cells, make hormones. The major endocrine glands are the pituitary, pineal, thymus, thyroid, adrenal glands and pancreas. In addition, men produce hormones in their testes and women produce them in their ovaries.” (source)

Hormones are produced using good fats and cholesterol, so lack of these important dietary factors can cause hormone problems simply because the body doesn’t have the building blocks to make them. Toxins containing chemicals that mimic these building blocks or that mimic the hormones themselves are also problematic because the body can attempt to create hormones using the wrong building blocks… mutant estrogen anyone?

The endocrine system is a complex system that we will probably never completely understand, but there are some basic things you can do to boost your  body’s ability to create and balance hormones:

1. Avoid High Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fats

I’ve talked about this before, but the body is simply not meant to consume these man-made fats found in vegetable oils. From that article:

The human body is about 97% saturated and monounsaturated fat, with only 3 % Polyunsaturated fats. Half of that three percent is Omega-3 fats, and that balance needs to be there. Vegetable oils contain very high levels of polyunsaturated fats, and these oils have replaced many of the saturated fats in our diets since the 1950s.

The body needs fats for rebuilding cells and hormone production, but it has to use the building blocks we give it. When we give it a high concentration of polyunsaturated fats instead of the ratios it needs, it has no choice but to incorporate these fats into our cells during cell repair and creation.

The problem is that polyunsaturated fats are highly unstable and oxidize easily in the body (if they haven’t already oxidized during processing or by light exposure while sitting on the grocery store shelf). These oxidized fats cause inflammation and mutation in cells.

In arterial cells, these mutations cause inflammation that can clog arteries. When these fats are incorporated into skin cells, their mutation causes skin cancer. (This is why people often get the most dangerous forms of skin cancer in places where they are never exposed to the sun, but that is a topic for another day!)

When these oils are incorporated into cells in reproductive tissue, some evidence suggests that this can spur problems like endometriosis and PCOS. In short, the body is made up of saturated and monounsaturated fats, and it needs these for optimal health.”

Bottom line: Don’t eat fats like Vegetable oil, peanut oil, canola oil, soybean oil, margarine, shortening or other chemically altered fats. Choose fats like coconut oil, real butter, olive oil (don’t heat!) and animal fats (tallow, lard) from healthy sources instead and eat lots of high Omega-3 fish.

2. Limit the Caffeine

I love coffee, a lot, but the truth is that too much caffeine can wreak havoc on the endocrine system, especially if there are other hormone stressors involved too like pregnancy, presence of toxins, beneficial fat imbalance or stress.

Cut down the coffee if you can, or replace with beneficial herbal teas (a list of my favorite recipes coming soon!). If you can’t or won’t cut the coffee, use it as a way to sneak in your beneficial fats by adding 1 tablespoon coconut oil to each cup and blending in the blender to emulsify. It is like a latte but with healthy fats!

3. Avoid Toxins

Toxins found in pesticides, plastics, household chemicals and even mattresses can contain hormone disrupting chemicals that mimic hormones in the body and keep the body from producing real hormones. Things like hormonal birth control can (obviously) do the same thing.

If you have hormone imbalance or are struggling to get pregnant, avoiding these toxins is very important! Cook in glass or non-coated metal pans (no non-stick or teflon!) and avoid heating or storing foods in plastic. Find organic produce and meat whenever possible and don’t use chemical pesticides or cleaners. There are recipes for natural cleaners on this page.

4. SLEEP

Can’t emphasize this one enough (tried with the all-caps-yelling though)! If you aren’t getting enough sleep, your hormone will not be balanced. Period.

Use these tips to help improve your sleep and just do it! This can singlehandedly improve hormones and is even linked to longer life, less chance of disease and optimizing weight.

5. Supplement Wisely

In a perfect world, we would be rising and sleeping with the sun, getting Vitamin D from the sun and Magnesium from the ocean while relaxing and exercising in great balance each day in a stress-free world. Since I doubt that describes any of us currently, supplements can fill in the gaps. I’ve talked about the basic supplements that I take before, but there are some specific ones that are helpful for hormone support.

  • Maca- A tuber in the radish family that has a history of boosting hormone production and libido. Many women notice less PMS, increased fertility, and improved skin while men notice increased sperm production, libido and better sleep. Maca is also high in minerals and essential fatty acids, making it great for hormones.  It is available in powder form (least expensive option) or in capsules.
  • Magnesium- Magnesium supports hundreds of reactions in the body and often contributes to better sleep (which is great for hormones!). There are several effective forms of Magnesium: In powder form with a product like Natural Calm so that you can vary your dose and work up slowly,  ionic liquid form  can be added to food and drinks and dose can be worked up slowly,or  transdermal form by using Magnesium oil applied to skin. This is often the most effective option for those with damaged digestive tract or severe deficiency.
  • Vitamin D- A pre-hormone is supportive of hormone function. Best obtained from the sun if possible, or from a D3 supplement or Fermented Cod Liver Oil.
  • Fermented Cod Liver Oil- Provides many of the necessary building blocks for hormone production including Vitamins A, D, and K. It also is a great source of Omega-3s and beneficial fats.
  • Gelatin is a great source of calcium, magnesium and phosphate. It supports hormone production and digestive health and helps sooth inflammation, especially in joints. We use Great Lakes Kosher as I was able to verify with the company that it is sourced from grass-fed, humanely raised cows, and as such is higher in nutrients.

6. Exercise Lightly

If you have hormone imbalance, intense extended exercise can actually make the problem worse in the short term. Sleep is actually more important, at least during the balancing phase, so focus on relaxing exercises like walking or swimming and avoid the extended running, cardio and exercise videos, for now….

7. Lift Heavy Weights

While extended cardio can be bad, short bursts of heavy lifting (kettlebells, deadlifts, squats, lunges) can be beneficial since they trigger a cascade of beneficial hormone reactions. Aim for a few sets (5-7) at a weight that really challenges your, but make sure to get help with form and training if you haven’t done these before as bad form can be harmful!

8. Eat Some Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is amazing for hormone health. It provides the necessary building blocks for hormone production, can assist weight loss, reduce inflammation, and even has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.

If you really need hormone help, aim to consume 1/4 cup of added coconut oil a day. My favorite way is to blend into coffee or tea. This is the highest quality one I’ve found.

9. Fix Your Leptin

Leptin is a master hormone, and if it is out of balance or if you are resistant to it, no other hormones will balance well. Fixing leptin will also help boost fertility, make weight loss easier, improve sleep, and lower inflammation.

Here’s a how-to guide on fixing Leptin.

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Wellness Mama is a full-time housewife with a background in nutrition, journalism and communications. Her passion is helping others achieve optimal health through a “Wellness Lifestyle.” She has helped hundreds of clients lose weight, increase athletic performance, improve fertility, and overcome numerous health problems and diseases. Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, & Pinterest.

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DISCLAIMER: The statements made here have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

  • Luludiamonds

    what about omega 6 from nuts (not oil, just the nuts) and what happens if you eat cooked nut flours?  what about omega 6 from avocados? are you talking strictly omega 6 in oil form or all plant derived omega 6 (like nuts and avocados)?  I know we aren’t supposed to overdo it on nuts but I do bake with nut flour and have wondered about oxidation when baking.  

  • Cassandra

    You really caught my attention at endometriosis, as it’s a painful condition that’s been pestering me for years :/
    So thank you for these tips!! :)

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    They can be an issue, but not nearly as problematic since they aren’t as concentrated as the oils. I do try to eat fish or take extra FCLO if I’m consuming a lot of nuts or nut flour though. From my understanding, there isn’t much oxidation when baking because they would smoke or burn before this point…

  • Luludiamonds

    Ok good, I got a little nervous reading that (about the skin cancer esp. bc I’m at risk anyway bc of moles and family history)..I’m totally Paleo and don’t eat veg oils except olive oil (cold), but do eat my fair share of nuts, nut meals/butter and avocados, but I take fish oil every day as well.
    Thanks for replying so fast!

  • Kelly Hord

    Thanks so much for this post.  My doctor told me yesterday that I’m not producing progesterone and he, of course, gave me a prescription for progesterone.  I knew that there had to be a way to take care of this naturally.  Perfect timing!  Love the info on the leptin, also.  Thanks for your great blog.

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    You could also use natural progesterone cream, which is a lot safer than the prescription kind. There is a link to the one I use in my “Store” tab or you can probably find it locally. When I’ve uset it, I just put on fatty areas (butt, stomach, legs) each night for the second half of each cycle…

  • Dana

    I am sort of new here so… why should I not heat the olive oil? I like to use it when I roast my veggies. I didn’t realize that it should not be heated.  I don’t use butter because my son is allergic to milk products so I use coconut oil and/or olive oil for everything.

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    Olive Oil oxidizes at high temperatures and is better in salad dressings or added once foods are already cooked. You can also use grassfed tallow for roasting veggies…

  • http://twitter.com/mfskrobola Marie Skrobola

    How much of these supplements should a person take?  I’ve been taking Maca, but guessed on a dosage.  The reviews on the FCLO say you need to take 8 tablets.  Plus, some of these are very expensive, like the FCLO.  Are there any alternatives if you are on a fixed budget? 

  • http://crankymonkeys.com/blog/ MrsB

    This post is sooooooo timely for me :) After decades of trying to combat acne with lotions and potions I have come to the conclusion that the change has to come from the inside and have been wanting to find out more about hormones and liver function, etc.
    I don’t eat sugar but I haven’t totally cut out white flour and I do not get enough onega 3s. I only wish I didn’t find the taste of coconut oil so revolting, it sounds like it’s very beneficial.

  • Nicole K

    How much Maca should I be taking?  I am a 28 year old woman.  Thanks for the great post!  As usual!

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    I take about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon a day, but if you have specific issues you are working with, you could take double that.

  • Turner Mccall

    I love your website, I refer to it often! I have a few questions, if you wouldn’t mind. What do you think about grapeseed oil in place of olive oil for roasting veggies? Can we get the health benefits of coconut oil if used topically as body lotion? Do fish oil capsules provide a good source of omega 3s compared with cod liver oil? And lastly, where would I find progesterone cream?

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    Grapeseed and Olive OIl can both oxidize easily when cooked. If you can, use coconut oil, ghee, tallow or a similar fat that won’t easily oxidize. You can get some of the benefits of coconut oil from using it topically but need to consume it to really feed the effect. Some fish oils do have good amounts of Omega-3s but lack the same levels of vitamins A, D and K which are also vital. I use this progesterone cream: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001R6K51K/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=herbkati-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001R6K51K

  • Imakeepit100

    um.. I think you’ve just saved my life! wow… I’ve never read a more succinct, easy-to-understand explanation of hormones and how fats contribute to instability in the body. I’m definitely going to use this information because my hormones are OUT OF CONTROL! plus, I do need to sleep more. thanks so much for a great article!

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  • sharon brown

    I started reading this, but when I read that the human body is 97% fat I stopped. That’s crazy, since the human body is 74% water. Where did you come up with that silly statement?

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    Sorry… that was poorly worded. 97% of the fat in the body is saturated…

  • KJ

    What brand of coconut oil do you use to mix in your coffee?

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama
  • Chilibird53

    What do you mean fix my Leptins? I’m in menopause at 59 years of age I don’t think fertility is a factor. Any advice for a soon to be 60 year old about using  coconut oil and do you think I can find it at Whole Foods here in Fresno, Ca..

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    Leptin is a master hormone that affects all other hormones, even during menopause. Here’s a post with more on Leptin http://wellnessmama.com/5356/cravings-fix-your-leptin/

  • Sara

    I notice that you point out cocnut oil several times on your site as one of the healthiest things to use. However, we have a coconut allergy in our house. Is there something we can use instead?

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    Grassed butter is good grass fed tallow

  • Lisa Shamaly

    Great article. I will add that I am in the stages of pre-menopause and my hormones were a mess- I have done all of the above- got rid of coffee, cut out all oil, but the biggest change came when I gave up dairy. Today’s dairy is full of hormones and other toxins. Once I gave it up I literally felt like a different person. No more monthly rages and very mild PMS now. I will never go back to dairy! Thanks for the great post.

  • http://www.facebook.com/jackson.paxton Jackson Moore Paxton

    Ladies read up

  • Shar

    I so loved the article on adding the fat, vanilla and cinnamon, cardamnon to coffee, the good coffee, and various teas.  Great way to get the coconut oil in.  So understood, as Tibetans LOVE it if you have Yak and can get it to let you milk it, and then make Yak butter, as they make Yak butter tea—I am thinking very similar.  Here is my question.  After working with coffee blended drinks in one of our favorite stores (always wanted to run those machines—now I never have to crave one again), and making this a couple times, I realized—am I not hydrolyzing or homogenizing this fat?  If it stays in solution, I believe I am, and this is what we do NOT want done to our fats.  Am I right?  What do you think??  So I just stirred it in today, and it was still yummmmmmmmm, in fact tasted much the same.  I am thinking it looked more like what Tibetans enjoy.

    Thanks for this post and the other on yum coffee/tea.  These are so great!!

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    From my understanding, simply blending it at the temperature coffee is does not change the molecular structure at all. Coconut oil can be heated to high temperatures without a problem, ad would, as it cooled, separate on its own anyway… That is fascinating about the Tibetans!

  • Linna

    Wellness mama- sorry if someone has already asked, but: if you are already on hormone therapy (Aurmor) would this still be something safe to follow? I eat as close to raw as possible, but still occasionally eat cooked meat (and organic when I do) I just wasn’t sure if the supplementation would still be ok to do. I also do already incorporate coconut oil into everything, love it!

  • http://www.facebook.com/andrea.crowedavis Andrea Crowe Davis

    How much of the maca powder do you take daily??

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    About a teaspoon usually

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    It should be fine. With thyroid issues, I’d be really careful yo avoid raw broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, etc as they have properties that can harm the thyroid when raw.

  • Jfey1212

    When I seen this “9 tips to balance hormones” it hit home with me because I have PCOS, low thyroid levels, and endo of the pelvic nerves. I have been trying to get pregnant for three years and my PCOS just wont let me win. I have lost 25lbs and still shedding hoping it will help. Trying to watch my carb intake as well. I don’t have periods at all unless the doctor gives me provera. I seen quite a few supplements and was just wondering which or all are the best ones for me.

  • Jaykay04

    I start to have petite mal seizures around the time of my period. Sometimes I have them all night long where I can’t sleep. And during the day. It’s only during time for my period, so I was wondering if it could b bc my hormones were out of wack. I’m 30 now and remember them starting when I was 13, which is when I got my period for the first time. 3 yrs ago I had a grand mal seizure at 3:30 am. Is there any way to have my hormones checked and do you think the 2 cld b related?

  • Melal10

    I have PCOS as well and used to only get a period 1-2 times a year. These are the types of things I did to get it under control and it worked. I also recommend reading Jillian Michael’s book Master your Metabolism. After losing 30 lbs and sticking to a natural lifestyle, I am much more regular now and conceived two children naturally after being told I would likely need help. Good luck!

  • Laura

    I have the Mirena IUD for birth control. As a person who has always been thin and in shape, i cant help but think my birth control has to do with me being 20 lbs overweight now and struggling to lose weight. I have friends telling me the hormones in my IUD are “kept locally“ in my uterus, so that shouldn’t effect my weight. What do you think?

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    I know several people who have experienced the same thing, and some who have actually had worse symptoms. I don’t have any experience with it personally, but it seems logical that something that alters hormones enough to control fertility would have more of an effect that just locally.

  • Jandan

    I ordered the progesteron you recommended in few of the posts below. When I received it the ingredients listed yam and progesterone. I did some research and this article http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/wild-yam says that these creams often list “natural” progesterone that are in fact synthetic. I’m unsure, so I am going to return the cream. What do you think?

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    The progesterone in this cream will be treated just as the progesterone in your body, and I’ve used this particular brand before. Since the hormone progesterone doesn’t exist in isolation in nature, it must be chemically converted in the cream so that it is bioavailable, but that doesn’t necessarily make it toxic as long as there aren’t any other dangerous ingredients.

  • Jandan

    Thank you for your response. I am 44 and, after a sonogram, found out that one ovary has closed shop for good(!) I just recently starting researching balancing out my hormones to help with a few, not too horrible, symptoms. I will definately incorporate the suggestions above. I’ll do a little more research on the progesterone cream and maybe give it a try for a month or two to see how things go. The ingredients on the jar and on Amazon don’t agree with each other, so that concerns me a little. BTW, I found your website a few weeks ago and have thoroughly enjoyed reading through the site. I have told several people about your site in the hopes that they will find helpful info. as well. Thanks again! Jane

  • Mary

    I bought the Great Lakes gelatin, mainly to help with skin and hair, because I’d heard so many great things, but then I read it can raise testosterone, which, I assume, is not conducive to hair health. So I haven’t really used it. May I ask whether it has had any effect, bad or good, on your skin and hair? Do you think any boost to testosterone from the gelatin will be detrimental to hair growth?

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    My skin and hair and both smoother, and it seems like my hair is thicker too. From my understanding, as long as it is from a clean and healthy source where the animals aren’t fed hormones or have poor hormone levels due to a poor diet, it is a safe and healthy supplement…

  • Sarah

    I can’t thank you enough for all of the information in your blog. I am hoping this is just what I need to dig myself out of this horrible hole I’ve been living in for the past several years (I.E. can’t lose weight, can’t get pregnant, always tired, skin issues, etc.) I have been starting to incorporate coconut oil in my diet every day lately. I have eaten it in the past but got out of the habit of eating it every day. I had a concern about it though…I noticed a lot of days (not every day) the coconut oil has caused me to get terrible stomach pains and then I end up vomiting the entire contents of my stomach and then some (sorry that’s probably more than you wanted to hear lol). Are some people intolerant of coconut oil? Or am I not eating it right? I usually add 2 tablespoons to my daily fruit smoothie and then incorporate it into dinner somehow.

  • Mary

    Thanks. I’m going to give it a whirl.

  • justine

    E X C E L L E N T article! – thankyou

  • Momofgirl14

    What would be good for a 14 year old? She is definitely having hormonal problems (has tourettes too). Misses Menses for months, bad acne. I will not put her on birth control pills.

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    Have you looked in to GAPS for the tourettes? It would be good to have her seen by a natural doctor, but some of these same steps should help her get her hormones in balance as well. I’d remove any soy in her diet and severely limit grains and sugars. Focus on lots of healthy fats which she needs for proper hormone production…

  • Colby

    I am on a low dose birth control pill. I plan to start taking cod liver oil & maca as well as using magnesium oil. Are there any problems/complications with this?

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    Not that I am aware of, but I’d probably run it by your doctor just to make sure…

  • Veronica Bishop

    For those of you who use as much coconut oil as i do and don’t want to spend a fortune, Trader Joe’s has organic, pure, virgin coconut oil for about 6 bucks a jar. I even make my own deodorant with it.

  • Rachel

    I have been on the pill for birth control and am looking to change methods. Any suggestions of a birth control that doesn’t completely mess up your hormones?

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    Personally, I use Natural Family Planning/Fertility Awareness Method both because it is the only true natural option and because of personal/moral convictions. If you’re open to it, I’d suggest at least googling it though… it really fosters a closer relationship…

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=631852828 Rachel Wykoff

    I would like to know as well. I totally do NOT agree with natural family planning it doesnt always work. Maybe look into the cup that they can put up there for 5 years? (forget what it is called. I have been thinking about it)

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Emily-Skocypec/64301687 Emily Skocypec

    I bought some Maca powder but I hate the taste. Any suggestions for making it more palatable? I’ve tried it in a smoothie, but that was still hard to swallow. Maybe I just need to use supplements :)

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    Supplements are easier, or mix with cinnamon to hide the taste…

  • Laura

    thank you for the information! I never really understood the role of fats, and have been using olive oil almost exclusively in my cooking. I’m definately going to try to swith to coconut oil and/or butter from now on. Love the idea of coconut oil in my coffee/tea, too!

    Can you recommend any vegetarian sources of omega 3s? I’ve heard flax meal or oil can be as good as cod liver oil.

    Also, I’ve heard that magnesium is best absorbed through the skin. How do you think epsom salt baths would compare to the magnesium oil you referenced?

    Thanks again!

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    Magnesium oil is more concentrated but epsom salt baths will work too if you do them consistently.

  • Jill

    Though it’s not 100% natural (well, actually, it is, it’s made of copper), I love having the copper IUD called the ParaGuard. There’s no hormones in it, the copper just changes the Ph levels of your uterus. Google it.

  • NachoMama

    I can’t stress the “avoid soy” if it is unfermented. The last thing a hormonally imbalanced woman needs is oestrogens screwing with your well-being.

    Also, might want to have your daughter screen for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

    Birth control pills would be a good idea. I was 15 when I went on them for the same reasons: Wicked PMS, bad mood swings, horribly uncontrollable periods. 10 years later, much-much-MUCH better hormonal control, even living with Hashimoto’s. Just take the Synthroid (or Armour) when you are supposed to and avoid too many processed drinks and foods.

    Pure Coconut Water, coffee, water, almond milk and occasional whole milk have become the norm for me. Tea is occasional due to fluoride content.

  • Lois

    I don’t know if you can help me or not, but it won’t hurt to ask.:) I found out 2 yrs ago I have lyme. We cut out gluten and sugar and limited dairy. We have been eating some gluten, but on a pretty limited basis. My question is, if I have been eating so good, taking good supplements, why is my thyroid still so out of whack?? I have really been helped by taking lots of kelp. But I am scared to try to get pg again, as I had 2 miscarriages yrs ago, and only then because I was using progesterone, was I able to carry 3 to term. Will I need to go back on progest, or will I keep getting better if I give it enough time?? This spring I had a break through for getting on top of lyme, otherwise I was a yo-yo mess of good and bad days. I still have sluggish days, but nothing like I used to get. I really feel like I had lyme since childhood/teens, hence a lot of health issues we didn’t understand. My cycles have become shorter, they used to always be 32-34 days, now they are closer to 29/31. Which long cycles are a sign of a lack of progesterone. I just don’t want to go through the pain of another loss. We know we need to wait, and allow my body more time to heal. I am doing more detoxing and cleansing. And know I am on the up swing of it all. Thanks for all the info in this post. I lover learning more and more.

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    My heart goes out to you but it sounds like you have done wonderful at facing Lyme naturally and are working on beating it. Have you tried a natural progesterone cream? I have used it personally and know women who carried healthy pregnancies after a loss by boosting progesterone naturally. What they did was to use it for the second half of each cycle (ovulation until menses) and to use it continually when they got pregnant until the third month and then tapering off. You’d definitely want to choose a completely natural version if you did this… If it were me, I’d probably give it a couple more months while trying the progesterone and adding in a lot of good fats to support hormone production (fermented cod liver oil, coconut oil, grassfed meats and butter, etc). Bone broths would also help the healing from the Lyme and boost mineral levels. Best of luck to you!

  • http://www.facebook.com/tiffany.frith.5 Tiffany Frith

    I have PCOS too. I would like to know more how you controlled everything and what it took and how long it took you to get pregnant. I have been trying for 11 years and i cant lose any weight. Can you give me some of your pointers. Thanks twasson1@hotmail.com

  • Needhelp18

    Your article is wonderful, and opened my eyes to some new health information. i have seen 2 different doctors and have an apt next week with an endocrinologist. Do you have any recommendations for people that have NO testosterone. i can’t sleep, i am super moody, have irregular periods, I can’t lose weight after being on a stick diet for a year…the cream doesn’t work…and i do cardio for at least 45 minutes every other day…no results…i would love to try something naturally but can’t seem to find anything.

  • Gamama

    I am at the point that I don’t care for sex at all, I feel I am depriving my husband we use to have a health sex life .

  • Jenn

    Thank you so much for writing about this! My husband I have been trying unsuccessfully trying to get pregnant for over a year with an early miscarriage a year ago. Since then my skin has been absoulutly horrible ( I’m even getting acne on my chest!) my hair has been falling out and I can’t seem to lose weight no matter what I do ( basically everything you listed above). After months if searching online for what could be going on with me I found this. I’m definitely going to start implementing these things!

  • Concerned!

    hmm “background in nutrition?” Helped clients increase athletic performance, improve fertility, and overcome health problems??? Be very careful taking advice from people who have a “background” with no clear education! I am not sure a full-time housewife with a “background” in nutrition should be your go-to girl for fertility, fitness and health issues.

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    Again, if you have a specific issue you’d like to rationally discuss or debate, I’d be happy to, but if you are just interested in attacking me personally without actually knowing my background (degree) or the clients I’ve worked with, you are welcome not to read anymore and go find another corner of the internet where you feel comfortable.

  • Tera

    I am 34, just finished nursing my first child three months ago and have had my period three times in a month. I’m on the pill and taking Welbutrin to help control my moods, but my hormones are obviously getting the best of me. I’m irritable, tired, and stressed. Do you think that I could see a difference in how I feel with your prescription with the pill and anti-depressants thrown in the mix? I feel like it’s too much, but don’t feel confident going off the anti-depressants for fear that my depression will worsen. Thoughts? Suggestions?

  • DT

    Found this very helpful & I took down some notes (I’ve jumped here from a pin on Pinterest.) My only downfall is that I work 3rd shift (10pm-7am) 4, at times 5, days a week on irregular days with the exception of Saturdays off. Sleep scheduling is
    near impossible with other daily obligations & my sun exposure is
    probably not where it should be. Any tips for the working night owls?

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    That is a tough situation. Personally, I won’t take any kind of hormonal contraceptives because by their nature they do mess up your hormones (among other reasons I don’t take them). Since you are on meds and under the care of a doctor, I definitely wouldn’t suggest going off of them without his advice, but you could certainly work to improve your hormones naturally and hopefully remove the need for them as your body adjusts. It definitely is a lot on your body to have the hormone changes of weaning, plus the hormones of a contraceptive and the hormone altering affects of a medication…. Good luck! I hope you feel better soon!

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    That is tough. I’d try to simulate darkness as much as possible while you are sleeping (cover windows, clocks, etc) and keep it cool. That should help your hormone production. Something like an earthing mat might also help the hormone changes that can come with different sleep schedules.

  • Kt

    I’m 32.years old and had a cancerous tumor removed along with a full hysterectomy I’m in hell family hates me I don’t want husband to touch me and they put me on a hormone that has a shortage… Yeah me what do I do kt_powell2000@yahoo.com

  • bernah

    Thanks for your great post. I would like to know if maca is safe for those with hyperthyroidism? thanks

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    I’ve never seen anything indicating that it wouldn’t be, but if you are on medication or have concerns, I’d check with a doctor.

  • Twylla

    I just had a hysterectomy a year ago too. I know some pharmacies compound hormone replacement specific to each female. Somehow they do it with a sample of your spit in a cup. Im not sure how this is done. A friend said she was about to go crazy before she had them evaluate her and mix the dose for her. It may be expensive, but I am not sure. Ive had several gals tell me it has been a life saver for them…but not sure how its done.

  • KKP

    I have had alot of hair loss recently and am testosterone dominant …I produce little estrogen(barely) and very low progesterone also….From my understanding this could be th epossible reason why…..How can I build up the decreased hormones I am lacking naturally without adding them directly……

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    Have either of you heard of Dr. Lee and his work on natural hormone replacement? Google him and a lot of that info might be helpful to you…

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    There are ways to add them in naturally… Google “Dr. Lee and Progesterone” and see if any of that info helps your specific case. Good luck!

  • Jolene Soerfass

    I had the copper IUD and it made my already very heavy period almost unbearable :(

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  • Momma Julz

    I have lived a life of lots if stress wheather it’s choices or happenstance I have been having strange things happen for a yr. weight gain fatigue. Temp changes like while sweating I get the chills my immune system is weak . Sine I have been to the dr and nothing seemingly wrong I have attributed this to adrenal deficit. I have started walking three weeks ago and see little change but am really interested in the maca for restoration . I am currently on the depo shot as well which is part of the reason I’m
    Having these problems however when I’m not on the shot I am a horrific basket of emotional disaster. Which I have never had to deal with at such a horrific level. I am really looking to balance everything out and see just how much better this can be on its own.. Any suggestions I am due for my next shot in November but will not be getting it. I have previously been right on schedule with female processes I do not want to wake up crying for no reason. Please help with what I may implement ASAP to avoid such a disaster ..thank u for your time and expertise it is so greatly appreciated!

  • Tbplayer77

    You recommend tallow in place of olive oil for roasting but they have similar smoke points. Why is tallow better? Is there a difference between an oil reaching its smoke point and an oil oxidizing?

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    Yep… saturated fats hold up better to oxidation

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  • Emily

    May I ask what your background in nutrition consists of? I wasn’t able to find that information anywhere on your site. I am a fourth year dietetics student, and I am a little concerned about the fact that you’re advising people to avoid polyunsaturated fats when they play a key role in lowering the risk for cardiovascular disease.

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    My degree is in Nutrition. I’d love to see any actually scientific data or meta analysis that backs the idea that polyunsaturated fats (in the form of vegetables oil, soybean oil, etc) reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. I used to believe the same thing when I finished school but after actually researching and reading the science myself, I realized that too many polyunsaturated fats (especially from artificial sources like vegetable oil) actually increase the risk of heart disease and many other problems…

  • Kristi

    Hi, WM! I’ve been looking around your site for info on mood stabilization. I know my issue is probably hormones. I have a 2 year old that nursed until she was 19 months and now an 8 week old. My hormones are probably shot. My problem is that I blow up. I’ve been trying to breathe and pray and visualize and all that but it’s not working when I get angry with my 7 year old or husband. I’ve looked into 5HTP and sam-e or aminos and they all say not to take while nursing. I’m taking magnesium and maca and coconut oil at the moment and it seems to be helping some. Is there anything else I can take or do while breastfeeding to help stabilize my moods? I’m trying to break the sugar habit but it’s way harder than I though it would be. I don’t drink sodas or caffeine. I’ve started to try to get outside and move more. Thanks for any advice.

  • http://www.facebook.com/carissa.makingitvintage Carissa MakingitVintage

    I am praying you see this. Baby #3 its coming soon and I already struggle with depression. My mother does as well and she has hormone imbalance issues. I believe I share the same problem. I never feel in control. Easily angered, high stress and anxiety, depression and non existent libido. What can I do or take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding? I am terrified of the ppd this time around. I had it with my first two and I don’t know how I am going to survive the lack of sleep and being too exhausted to eat a proper diet. Please help! I thought of anti depressants but would much rather avoid medication. Thank you!

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    Have you ever considered encapsulating your placenta? I haven’t tried it yet, but plan to this pregnancy and it is also supposed to help with PPD and anxiety. There are trained placenta encapsulators who can do it for you. Magnesium and good fats can also both be taken while pregnant and nursing. Personally, I make sure to always take magnesium, fermented cod liver oil, and lot of coconut oil daily to help with hormones. Congrats on your upcoming delivery and best of luck!

  • Morgan

    Just a question….the latest buzz is all about this Visalus drink mix. Is this a safe alternative to getting all the nutrition one needs including vitamins and minerals? Some swear by it….esp with losing weight and boosting energy. Would love to hear about it as everything on the web is submitted by the company that produces it…so not Unbiased.

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    From what I’ve actually seen of the product packages (i haven’t read them all) they all contain soy, and some other questionable ingredients like sunflower oil, sucralose and more. Here is one ingredient list I found online: Visalus Ingredients: Protein Blend of (Soy Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Hydrolysate, and Whey Protein Concentrate), Digestive Resistant Maltodextrin (Fibersol™), High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Natural and Artificial Flavor, MCT Oil, Maltodextrin, Gum Acacia, Xanthan, Sodium Caseinate, Lecithin, Aminogen™, Mono & Diglycerides, DiPotassium Phosphate, Sucralose
    I personally wouldn’t eat at least half of those, especially ones as vague as “natural and artificial flavor” which is often MSG…. Just my two cents…

  • http://www.facebook.com/rhauptman Rebecca Hauptman Cashman

    Oh, I truly like this post. I do some of these things, most of them actually. Some are fairly new to me, like taking the maca root powder. I mix it in with some diatomaceous earth and drink that.

    But I just can’t seem to sleep enough. It evades me! And I am exhausted. I have meditation CDs to listen to, and have no trouble falling asleep initially. It is staying asleep that is my problem. Any recommendations for that? I already do melatonin and Alteril.

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  • becky

    I would like to start taking some of these supplements because I feel like my hormones are out of whack. Are there any concerns though, about taking something like magnesium or maca, what is too much to take etc.? Or should I talk to a doctor before taking these supplements?

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    As a general rule, it is good to talk to a doctor before taking anything, especially if you have a health condition or are on other medication. Maca is actually a plant root and is generally considered safe though, and I use magnesium oil on the skin so my body can absorb only what is needed…

  • becky

    Thank you!

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  • daisygarden

    Mary,it is not testosterone but DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE that many professionals blame hair loss for. If you are a male enjoy testosterone high (healthy) levels . And,why would anyone want to take gelatin which is a collagen by product??? Take collagen!!!!!!

  • daisygarden

    DT, for the sake of your health-CHANGE YOUR JOB. Lots of people will give you tips,but they wount help.

  • daisygarden

    Luis, are you having LYME desease (borrelioses) or hypothyroidism?????

    These are very different deseases. Lyme is a bucterial infection acquired from tick bug. As to Hushimoto`s hypothyroidism it could be inherited. Do not confuse these two.

    Whatever you do is good for Hashimoto. Avoid GLUTEN!!! It´s everywhere!

    Add vit. B-complex ,go to the site : WOMEN TO WOMEN/Hypothyroidism
    a very good and informative site. Good luck

  • Jody

    I agree, it would be nice to see where you are getting your information. Do you study this or follow research studies?

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    I did study nutrition in college, though through further research I’ve now disregarded much of my education. For example… I’d love to see the science that Emily talks about polyunsaturated fats helping reduce the risk of CVD (which usually goes along with the hypothesis that saturated fat causes heart disease), both of which are based on what are now outdated studies. Recent info shows the opposite: http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/02/04/us-fat-heart-idUSTRE61341020100204 http://www.drbriffa.com/2009/04/17/no-evidence-that-saturated-fat-causes-heart-disease-its-official/ http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/02/02/dutch-recognize-saturated-fat-not-a-problem.aspx http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/cardiovascular-disease/saturated-fat-and-heart-disease-studies-old-and-new/ http://chriskresser.com/new-study-puts-final-nail-in-the-saturated-fat-causes-heart-disease-coffin

  • http://www.facebook.com/heather.reynolds.395 Heather Sears

    I ordered the supplements you suggested, but wondered what dosage you’d suggest of each?

  • Kristen

    I have been researching nutrition and health since I became pregnant about 5 years ago. I wanted the best for my baby, so I have been turning to Natural News and other natural/ organic websites for healthy eating and nutrition advice. Thankfully, I also found you. I know to avoid gmo’s, pesticides, artificial preservatives, artificial ingreds., dyes, and I know to limit meat (grass fed), soy, dairy, and gluten, grains, but those are grey areas that I am working on. I will continue reading your website for more information and clarification.

    My health problems: I just turned 27, I look fit and healthy. I am 5’7″, and 135lbs (this part isn’t the problem). Sorry in advance for some possible TMI.
    We got pregnant when I was 22 within the first few months of trying, and he grew into a beautiful 7.4 lb birthday boy. I noticed tons of stress, fatigue, slight depression, mood swings, but it was normal new mom hormonal issues plus the lack of sleep. My sex drive was down for a while. First of all I had a bad tear during the delivery of our son which resulted in a bit of trauma during sex. I was afraid of ripping it back open. Second, whenever we tried to have sex it burned, still not sure why. This went on for several months, until the burning sensation slowly stopped, and I was able to relax and somewhat enjoy it again. Third, I was worried about my performance (my own insecurities not helping). Since then, I had two miscarriages, one at 6 weeks (a year ago) and the second at 10 weeks (4 months later). My midwives, doctors, and nurses couldn’t explain a thing. The uncomfortable internal examination checked out, and nothing was apparently wrong. To them I was still healthy as before. I already had a healthy baby, so I should be able to do it again. I have not been using any birth control. The past 3 years I have noticed a rapid decline drop in my sex drive. Dryness down there makes it harder to have sex when I do manage to have a drive (we use coconut oil for that), but I want to get to the root of it all and feel that real urge (and my own natural lube) again. I feel like I am an old lady going through menopause. This frightens me. I have almost lost faith in regular doctors because they don’t agree with the nutrition the way you and I see it, and they don’t use natural remedies. How much are these tests for the thyroid, and hormones? I am definitely going to use all your tips, but I need some advice and direction. Could I get it all taken care of with a holistic doctor? If you read all of this, thank you and sorry for rambling. Thank you in advance for any response you might give me. Thank you for this website/blog. :)

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  • http://www.facebook.com/SpARklejuNkjeWelz Mista M Allen

    Maca is consumed as food for humans and livestock, suggesting any risk from consumption is rather minimal. It is considered as safe to eat as any other vegetable food. However, maca does contain glucosinolates, which can cause goiters when high consumption is combined with a diet low in iodine. This being said, darker colored maca roots (red, purple, black) contain significant amounts of natural iodine, a 10-gram serving of dried maca generally containing 52 µg of iodine.[2] Though this is common in other foods with high levels of glucosinolate, it is uncertain if maca consumption can cause or worsen a goiter.

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    Typically, starting with the dose on the bottles is good and then they can be adjusted up if needed…

  • Jenny Pittman

    I don’t really understand your comment. If you pay attention to your body’s signals, you will know when you are ovulating, and make a choice from there. A woman is only fertile a few days a month. Even though I have irregular periods this still works for me.

  • Jenny Pittman

    What’s wrong with being a “housewife”? Does that make someone ignorant or unable to educate themselves? Even if someone doesn’t have a degree or attend college, they can still pick up a book and read.

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    Thanks Jenny… and I do have a degree, (two actually- one in Nutrition) and I am a housewife by choice not default or lack of education.

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  • Vanessa

    Hi Wellness Mama, I love all your posts, I have incorporated many of your recommendations into my life already and am loving it. I do have a question about consuming coconut oil, when you first begin adding coconut oil to your diet, can it contribute to horrible stomach aches? Just curious. Thanks so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us!!

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    Yep! from what I’ve read, it can cause this if you aren’t used to the types of fats or if you have yeast in your system, it can cause stomach pain while the body adjusts..

  • disqus_ELDlX84UeK

    I am a 27 year old female and recently had a hormone panel done, my testosterone levels were so low the doctor suggested I start on androgel, can you give me any info on womens experience with this. I have gained about 30 lbs in the last few months despite watching what I eat, and exercising regularly. I am so uncomfortable in my body.

  • http://www.facebook.com/ashley.vaughan37 Ashley Vaughan

    I’ve been having some major problems with my cycle off and on, the worst episode landed me in the ER last year to get four units of a blood transfusion. The problem comes because I will have a very heavy cycle that comes mostly as large clots every 15-30 minutes. (It’s rather debilitating, I can’t leave the house when it occurs) I had thought that it was a hormonal issue because my cycle has always been long, and when it was most regular it happened every other month. So I started taking Femaprin, which has vitex and is supposed to be good at regulating hormones. I’ve been taking it faithfully for six months, and I was doing good until this week. I haven’t missed a cycle, and they’ve all been a normal flow (at least as far as I can tell from my experience), but I’m having problems again. I’ honestly not quite sure where to turn now for help, so I’m praying you might have some wisdom to share.

  • http://www.facebook.com/ashley.vaughan37 Ashley Vaughan

    I’m only in my early twenties, so I can’t be having menopause problems. (And I’m scared I’m going to have to face this the rest of my life.)

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  • http://www.facebook.com/evaherzberg Eva Herzberg

    What a great artikle!!! Thank you very much! Very very helpful since I get disbalanced very easy… have a great Sunday ! <3

  • http://www.facebook.com/tiffany.mladinich Tiffany Tucker Mladinich

    That is an expeller pressed coconut oil, so great for cooking, but not so good for thyroid stimulating. Stick with cold or centrifuge pressed raw when you are doing it for a health reason.

  • http://www.facebook.com/markclaire.eborn MarkClaire Eborn

    If you’re clotting during a period, that is your heads up that your iron levels are critically low. Iron is used to “flex” muscles, so at the end of the period, your body says ok, close the opening, no more blood out. The muscle is too weak to close and to save you from bleeding out, starts throwing clots to literally “plug the hole”. Losing so much blood then makes your iron levels even lower for the next period. I have yet to find an iron supplement that works well, so hopefully you’re okay with grassfed beef (liver works the fastest, but I personally can’t face it). If you struggle to digest beef, try having full fat calcium snacks/sides on days you eat the beef. Blood loss takes a major toll on your entire electrolyte balance, especially if it is prolonged/frequent like yours. So try to increase healthy foods containing magnesium, sodium (sea salt), potassium and calcium and decrease iron blocking foods such as raw greens until your cycle works itself out. Good luck!! :)

  • Karla Douthit

    I just wanted to THANK you for pointing me in this direction! :) I have been on the hunt for how to care for and love my body in the way it needs to be cared for…and this post really helped! Thank you! :) I’m posting about my experiences and research and such on my blog and would like to link to your post, if that’s ok?
    Karla Marie

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  • http://www.facebook.com/nicole.marville Nicole Marville

    Great Article!! I have a question about what to do after you have regulated your hormones. I have followed this advice and for the first time in years my cycle went from 21 days to 25 days. I know that I am not completely out of the woods yet. However I am a runner and love to run for the mental clarity it brings me. I have stopped and started cross fit. I love cross fit but it doesn’t give that same clarity. How long should I wait to start running again?

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    Personally, I’d give it a couple months and start slowly to make sure you handle it well…

  • Anna

    Ok, Wellness Mama. I have a question for you. I am currently using the IUD Mirena, and I think that it is setting me off on a bit of a hormonal imbalance in that it is causing anxiety and faster heartbeat combined with insomnia at night. I’ve also been feeling slight dizziness and fogginess during the day along with really mild tension. I drink chamomile tea EVERY night before bed just to combat the anxiety. I don’t know if I can afford to take the IUD out since I’ve tried other birth control methods and they haven’t really worked for me at all (can you say “oops baby”?) But I really need to figure out how I could perhaps use some natural products to regulate some things better. Do you happen to know what might work the best and what combination of things to try?

  • http://www.facebook.com/tammy.sides.5 Tammy Sides

    I love adding the coconut oil to my coffee, it seems to make the creamer more creamy

  • Audrey Wegman

    Lots of your suggestions involve coconut oil – I’ve tried to use it, but I HATE coconut. The smell, the slightest flavor… Any replacement suggestions?
    Maybe I should hire a chef – I’m sure if I didn’t see the coconut oil being used I probably wouldn’t notice it. :)

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  • http://www.facebook.com/blueskyminer Sarah Bryant

    Nope – you can get pregnant on any day of your cycle, especially if you’re very fertile. The unreliability of the natural method is the reason I exist, as well as the reason my aunt exists! We have great fertility on both sides of the family and I would NEVER EVER trust the natural way – it just leads to accidents. Motherhood is definitely not something to be entered into on a whim or mistake.

  • O M

    Hi, I’m trying to rebalance my hormones, which I just know are out of whack, and would like to follow a natural – preferably diet-based – method of straightening things out.

    I’m 40, generally healthy and in good shape – I do eat mainly organic and vegetarian, and exercise regularly – but in general I just feel crappy (for lack of a more creative term) and am not sure what to do. I suspect Perimenopause is creeping up on me, but I’m sort of in denial about that one since I’m still hoping to get pregnant before it’s too late. I’ve gained weight which I can’t seem to lose, have been unable to conceive and well, I just feel blah, icky, achy and stale.

    Long story short – I was wondering about your experience with Maca? Do you take it for a specific reason? Mood? Libido?
    I understand that it is an adaptogenic herb; does this infer that it might tweak any hormonal imbalance on its own?

    Thanks.

  • sexygourmetchef

    Thanks, very helpful :)

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    Maca may help on its own, but it also may be due in part to a vegetarian diet as this makes it hard to get enough fats for hormone production. If you consume fish products, a fermented cod liver oil may help, as might grass fed butter if you consume dairy… hope you feel better soon!

  • http://www.facebook.com/jazzy.queen.94 Jazzy Ann Smith

    I love coconut oil , I use it for skin sun protection also! My husband likes canola but it’s very rare I fry , I bake and broiled and slow cook mostly . I use olive oil even on my furniture and it’s good for everything! Thanks for sharing.

  • http://www.facebook.com/emily.willen Emily Willen

    Wonderful article~
    I would add Spanish black radish, calcium lactate, & ecchinacea for helping PCOS too. Spanish Black Radish is a great “drainer” of toxins in the torso, so it can clear out the ovaries as well. Calcium lactate is great for pain relief when you have your period, but you need the balance of magnesium too (phosphate helps your body utilize it more sufficiently too). I’m not sure how ecchinacea plays into how it helps, but my doctor recommended it to me, & it really does help. I would not recommend vitamin D3 to anyone, since your body actually uses D1 & D2 as well, & can become insufficient over time if you just take D3. I would also recommend looking for a non-GMO supplement, & one that says something among the lines as “whole food”, since many supplements on the store shelves have synthetic chemicals in them. Sorry, thought I’d share things that have helped me, & what I’ve been learning in my classes~

  • http://www.facebook.com/emily.willen Emily Willen

    Totally forgot to add this! You need to support your heart too. Some homeopaths call the heart, adrenals, & thyroid the ‘Triangle” since they all effect one another (if you give a person having a heart attack medication for hypothyroidism you can actually stop the heart attack). If the heart is strong, it should help benefit the thyroid & adrenals (& vise versa too).

  • llrigsby

    since gelatin contains magnesium, should you also take a magnesium supplement?

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    I do take magnesium as well since it contains trace amounts…

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  • Cassie

    What do you think of Nordic Naturals cod liver oil?
    I’m having trouble with the fermented kind, and can’t seem to figure out how they compare..
    Thanks!

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    Since it isn’t fermented, it isn’t as absorbable but it is still a decent option…

  • J Tiedemann

    Why are we not suppose to heat Olive Oil? I saute with it. What happens to it that makes it bad/harmful?