Low Carbohydrate Diets Can Stop Your Periods

Our hormones are regulated by three major glands

• Hypothalamus: located in the brain

• Pituitary: located in the brain

• Adrenals: located at the top of the kidneys

These glands work synergistically together so our hormones can do their job, this complex interaction is known as the HPA axis. These glands are sensitive to stress, calorie intake and exercise levels.

How Cortisol & Stress Works

Chronic stress releases an overabundance of cortisol and noradrenaline into the blood stream, our three major glands are sensitive to stress (cortisol), so over time, this constant output of cortisol and adrenaline into the system, places undue strain on these glands. Now to be clear, stress whether from an argument with a loved one, working in a stressful environment, all stimulate our stress response, which releases cortisol into the bloodstream. What should happen is cortisol is released, utilised then returned to normal levels. These days, our body is under constant stress from multiple sources that our cortisol levels never have the chance to return to baseline.

How Restricting Carbohydrates Can Stop Your Periods

Restricting carbohydrates, can be seen by the body as a stressor and can have the same effect on the body. This constant out pouring of cortisol into the blood stream over time disrupts the HPA axis, disrupting our hormones, and in some cases stopping our periods all together. Now I don’t mean you need to go out and gorge on pasta and bread, with regards to carbohydrates I’m talking about the good carbohydrates such as:

• Quinoa

• Millet

• Buckwheat

• Coconut Flour

• Almond Meal

• Amaranth

And don’t forget vegetables are an amazing source of carbohydrates such as:

• Sweet Potatoes

• Pumpkin

• Cooled White Potatoes

• Cruciferous vegetables

• Carrots