Alcohol consumption blocks the body's Gammalinolenic acid (GLA) production, thus preventing the manufacture of natural hormones. This quickens the aging process. Ethanol from alcohol consumption also creates deficiencies in B vitamins, magnesium, and calcium in the body, which interferes with hormone metabolism.

Animal Proteins (including dairy products) are loaded with hormones and synthetic antibiotics that throw our own hormone levels out of balance.

Birth Control Pills deplete the body's B vitamins needed for natural hormone production. The pill also increases susceptibility to allergies and may cause liver damage.

Caffeine blocks GLA production, raises adrenaline and increases the body's stress levels. Chocolate inhibits the liver's breakdown of hormones, and tea interferes with the absorption of iron and zinc, particularly if drunk with meals.

Exercise, if overdone (as in the case of “super athletes”) may use up so many vitamins and minerals that the body has insufficient means to maintain normal hormone production. This can lead to an abnormal menstrual cycle and even ammenorrhea (no cycle at all).

Smoking increases the need for the vitamins and minerals needed to detoxify smoke in the body. Smoking also reduces the amount of nutrients available for hormone production.

Stress is a major contributor to hormone imbalance. Stress includes any type of adverse stimulus that requires the body to change and adapt, such as day-to-day hassles, psychological trauma, financial problems, environmental pollution, etc.

Sugar interferes with nutrient absorption, particularly B vitamins. It also interferes with the circulation of hormones throughout the body.

Weight, both too much and too little, adversely affects hormone balance. The ratio of fat to lean body mass is critical in the initiation and continuation of the ovarian cycle. If you fall below a certain weight, the pituitary hormone stops sending messages to the ovaries and ovulation and menstruation stop.

Other conditions that interfere with hormone balance include food sensitivity, allergies, chronic illness, candida infections, drugs taken over a long period of time, and low levels of thyroid hormone in the system.

Along with these factors, there are three hormones essential to balancing hormones in our body. They are the anti-aging hormones progesterone, estrogen and testosterone (all found naturally in wild yam extract). Progesterone has anti-cancer properties and helps calm the brain. Estrogen strengthens the bones, has anti-cancer effects, especially in the colon, aids memory and gives cardiovascular protection. Testosterone reduces the side effects of other hormones and helps keep the sex drive vigorous (in both male and females).

Thyroid insufficiency is frequently found in women in their middle-age and later years. Foods such as cauliflower, broccoli, and red cabbage bind the active iodine ingredient needed for a healthy thyroid gland. Adrenal insufficiency can also be a problem, and stress reduction is often the most beneficial aid to the adrenal glands.

Hormonal imbalance can be an emotional roller coaster ride, but it can be minimized with proper nutrition and supplemental support. Unfortunately, the same hormone program does not work for all women. There are no silver bullets.

Proper cleansing, parasite eradication and a balanced diet are paramount as a foundation and structural support for hormone imbalance.