Every day, we battle through stress. In today’s world, we face as much chemical tension as emotional tension. These stresses affect your stress gland (the adrenal gland) that sits on top of each kidney.
The adrenal glands produce vital hormones needed to live, including one called dehydropiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA helps to strengthen the mind, body, internal health and provide youthful vigor.
Unfortunately, stress and toxicity–particularly due to plastics–have been shown to shrink the adrenal glands and reduce the output and balance of hormones like DHEA. (Seo KW, et al, Food Chem Toxicol 42:107 – 14, 2004) Glandular damage of this nature can occur even when very low doses of toxins are present.
Adrenal gland failure can lead to high blood pressure, arrhythmias, heart failure and even early death.
To treat this issue, physicians have classically prescribed calcium channel blockers. Unfortunately, this route increases toxicity, which adds the complications of dangerous side effects and playing around with the very sensitive cardiovascular system.
If your energy levels are dropping, you’re feeling old, gaining fat, or your libido is failing, this could be a stress hormone, DHEA issue. With the level of chemical and emotional tension just about everyone faces today, many of us are likely to eventually develop adrenal issues.
Restoring low DHEA levels can have a profound impact on genes that have been poisoned by plastics. It can also improve blood vessel health, aid with the effects of diabetes, help with fat and sugar metabolism, and prevent adrenal conditions that can cause early death.
There are several small but powerful habits you can develop that will help your body produce consistent, healthy levels of DHEA, so you can stay fit, beautiful and healthy for life.
What is it?
DHEA is a hormone created in the human body as an anti-aging hormone that also fights the development of serious health conditions. The average adult produces about 25mg of DHEA per day, but the rate varies between men and women.
Health Benefits
DHEA produces men’s testosterone and women’s estrogen, sexual hormones that support a healthy reproductive system. It can also help with the treatment of diabetes by regulating the needed levels of DHEA. The hormone level indicates an imbalance of blood insulin and helps control blood sugars. It has even proven helpful in the treatment of obesity and lupus. When producing the natural hormone regularly, energy levels will increase and immune system function will strengthen.
Raise DHEA Levels Naturally
Studies suggest that boosting the immune system, increasing the function of growth hormone, and balancing the effects of the stress hormone cortisol can help our bodies age more slowly. There are plenty of natural practices for improving your immunity and overall health.
Here are five basic, at-home treatments to improve your well-being via natural DHEA:
In order to create higher levels of DHEA, exercise often. Physical activity promotes the release of essential hormones, including DHEA. When you work out, your body lets go of built up stress, which can stifle your immune system. Look to high-intensity surge training to release immune-boosting hormones like DHEA.
Sexual Health
Hormones drive many aspects of our lives, including:
- Behaviors
- Mood
- Energy levels
- Quality of sleep
- Immune response
- Cardiovascular function
- Neural function, and more
Studies show that adults raise their levels of master hormones during sexual activity, which helps lower stress and encourages the production of DHEA.
Clean Eating
A clean diet comes with many health benefits, but it is suggested to eat complex carbs, which includes fresh fruits and vegetables. Nutritional choices like broccoli, spinach and squash, as well as low-glycemic fruits like blueberries and granny smith apples can naturally increase master hormone level. Good fats, including lean chicken and extra virgin olive oil, will also raise DHEA levels.
Meditation
To look and feel younger, practicing a few minutes of meditation each day will decrease stress levels. The slow brainwaves produced by meditation promote the release of healing, growing and rejuvenating hormones such as DHEA and melatonin.
Sleep
Getting eight hours of sleep each night improves the function of the adrenal glands. For those who suffer from sleep apnea, raising your DHEA levels will help you get more sleep. Overworking your mind and body can cause serious damage over time and suppress DHEA production.6
DHEA Supplements & Side Effects
DHEA is a natural supplement, created by the human body naturally. Some purchase the synthetic hormone in pill form, but there can be health risks. There’s nothing wrong with temporarily using 25mg/day while you get your lifestyle together and work to reduce your bodily toxicity. But this practice should not continue long term.
The side effects of using DHEA supplements include headache, fatigue, indigestion, acne formation, irregular heartbeats and nasal congestion. For women, DHEA supplementation can create complications with pregnancy, breastfeeding, a woman’s menstrual cycle and reproductive system. Using these supplements can also cause postpartum depression, emotional behavior changes, headaches and insomnia.7
Long-term, it is best to use natural practices to safely increase the amount of DHEA your body produces.