The Miracle of Breastfeeding & How to Get Rid of Hormonal Acne
The Miracle of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can help protect babies against infections and diseases.
Facts
Explain
Right after birth, you produce colostrum, which is high in protein, low in sugar, loaded with beneficial compounds, and not replaceable by formula.
Colostrum is the ideal first milk and helps your baby's digestive tract develop.
Colostrum (it's really a miracle drink for your baby) also has high amounts of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and other antibodies.
IgA protects the baby from getting sick by forming a protective layer in the baby’s nose, throat, and digestive system.
Formula doesn’t provide antibody protection and numerous studies show that BABIES WHO ARE NOT BREASTFED are more vulnerable to health issues like pneumonia, diarrhea, and infection.
Breastfeeding provides long-term protection for the mother too!
The total time you breastfeed is linked with a reduced risk for breast and ovarian cancer, high blood pressure, arthritis, high blood fats, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Resource
- Breastfeeding has so many more amazing benefits including helping your uterus return to its previous size and lowering your risk for post-partum depression. To read more about these benefits and see the studies, check out this article.
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How You Get Hormonal Acne and How to Get Rid of It!
Acne is multifactorial but there are 4 factors that most women overlook.
Facts
Explain
1. Micronutrient Deficiencies - for your body to make enough hormones, it needs optimal micronutrient levels.
- Micronutrient deficiencies can make you more prone to breakouts because of the hormone imbalances it can cause.
2. Your Detox System Is Sluggish - If you have acne at certain times of your cycle or even throughout, it’s a sign your body isn’t processing and eliminating excess hormones.
- If your detox system (liver, large intestine, and lymphatic system) isn't doing its job, excess hormones like estrogen, can build up in the body causing skin inflammation.
3. Inflammation - Chronic inflammation is a major factor in hormonal acne.
- Inflammation is fueled by a variety of things like pro-inflammatory foods, a sedentary lifestyle, exposure to toxic chemicals, a stressful job or environment, etc.
4. Exercise & Sex - Exercise and sex flush out cortisol (the stress hormone) from the body. Keeping your cortisol balanced and not chronically elevated is crucial for glowing skin.
- If you’re not moving enough or having enough orgasms, it can show up on your skin.
How To Get Rid of Hormonal Acne
The best way to get rid of hormonal acne is to know the root cause.
If you have acne at certain times of your cycle it can indicate which hormone imbalance you have.
My post about identifying your root cause is here (the post also provides solutions)!
Facts
- Americans spend over $3 billion per year on over-the-counter acne treatments.
Explain
Acne is influenced by hormones like estrogen and androgens (example: testosterone).
Hormone imbalances can lead to increased sebum production, clogged pores, and inflammation, all of which contribute to the formation of acne.
Balancing your hormones is the absolute best way to clear your acne.
Try these steps:
- Regulating your cycle to a 28-32 day regular pattern
- Minimizing unnatural hormone fluctuations - these can happen when your hormones are imbalanced.
- Normalizing androgen levels (example: testosterone) - which can lessen the excess sebum that clogs your pores.
- Testing, identifying, and treating underlying hormone conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, etc.
Resources
- I get most of my acne information from Kristin Cunningham N.P. who approaches acne from a holistic (whole-body) point of view. She puts out great info on Instagram which has taught me a lot about how acne forms and ways to naturally get rid of it. Her Instagram is @the_acne_np and her website is here (including an acne quiz to find out which type of acne you have)!
- You can shop non-toxic makeup, skin care products, and more here!
- Other great resources for acne information are Flo Living and 28 Wellness. Flo Living is a virtual women's hormones company that addresses the root cause of symptoms and puts your acne/period issues into remission naturally.
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Actionable Tips:
- To shop my favorite clean + non-toxic + organic products, supplements, food, and more CLICK HERE!
- If you are in your reproductive years: track your cycle with MyFlo, 28, Flo, Clue, Wild.AI, or any other period-tracking apps. Understanding your cycle and living in accordance with your natural hormone fluctuations is the best bio-hack you have as a woman!
- To find a practitioner/doctor who specializes in women's health near you who can give you women's-specific advice and will be knowledgeable about ALL women's health topics! CLICK HERE
- If you are perimenopausal: dive into Dr. Mary Claire Haver's work. She is a board-certified OB/GYN who has helped thousands of women going through perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause! She puts out incredible information on social media, but first watch or listen to this podcast to understand the basics.
- To find a practitioner/doctor who is certified by The Menopause Society near you who will answer ALL your questions, educate you, believe your symptoms, and help you! CLICK HERE
- If you are post-menopausal: take advantage of your hormones being the same every day. Follow Dr. Mindy Pelz on social media and check out her Viral YouTube channel for information on optimizing your health and body composition.
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If This Resonates With You
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*REMINDER:
This content is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Consult a doctor for personal health concerns.
