Fasting, Hormone Health, and the DUTCH Complete test
Recently many people have contacted me asking about the DUTCH Complete Test because they have been reading ‘Fast Like A Girl’ by Dr Mindy Pelz. As many of you know, fasting can be a way to break bad eating habits and access health benefits including regeneration of the immune system, balancing of hormones, reduction in risks of cancer and improvement of brain function, among others!
In this blog you can read my thoughts about this interesting new book and how I use the DUTCH Complete test with my clients.
Fasting and new research
During shorter fasts blood levels of insulin drop significantly and your body begins to burn more fat. During long fast periods, your body will go to its fat stores for energy, and fatty acids called ketones will be released into the bloodstream. You can read my previous blog on fasting in general here and also a previous blog on intermittent fasting specifically.
‘Fasting Like a Girl’ is the first book I have read that explores in detail the link between fasting and hormone health in a really interesting way, with lots of helpful illustrations and tips.
Dr Pelz is a chiropractor and functional health expert who describes herself as on ’a mission to teach the world the power of fasting’ and to ‘help women feel empowered in their own skin’. Her book Fast Like a Girl has been so helpful to me and my clients on the topic of fasting and she is also the author of The Menopause Reset: Get Rid of your Symptoms and Feel Like Your Younger Self Again.
Why should I fast?
There are many different reasons to fast – to lose weight, boost energy, balance hormones, detox from toxins or chemicals, gain mental clarity or improve quality of sleep.
One of the most important things to understand before including fasting in your healing journey, is how your hormones work and how to work with them, instead of against them. Hormonal imbalances can wreak havoc on skin, weight, mood and sleep, but when they are balanced and understood, you can really notice the difference in your daily life.
How is fasting related to hormones?
Women’s bodies are different to men and this is important in understanding hormonal differences, especially when it comes to fasting. Men are primarily driven by the one hormone – testosterone – and testosterone thrives on fasting.
Women also have testosterone, alongside two other vital hormones: oestrogen and progesterone. The balance between these hormones are constantly changing throughout the monthly cycle and it is important to be aware of hormonal balance and health. Oestrogen also responds well to fasting, but progesterone does not.
Fasting can be very helpful in balancing your hormones, particularly oestrogen which can be thrown off balance by synthetic oestrogen (xenoestrogen) we inevitably encounter in our daily lives. The plastics we buy, cover and store food in are examples of xenoestrogens.
It can be empowering to realise that there are times in the monthly cycle when fasting may not be beneficial and times when it is beneficial.
When to fast in the monthly cycle?
In the first half of the monthly cycle, oestrogen levels are high and give a sense of energy and focus. This can be described as the power phase. However, as these levels subside, many women experience fatigue, mood swings, migraines etc.
In the second half of the monthly cycle, progesterone starts to rise. This can be described as the manifestation phase. However, as these levels subside, many women experience anxiety, insomnia, cravings for carbs.
As the monthly cycle ends and ovulation occurs, testosterone is at its highest levels. Many women experience increased libido and motivation and this can be described as the nurture phase
It is important to understand your hormonal balance in order to implement different strategies during different stages of the monthly cycle. For example:
- Consider high-carb or low-carb days based on your menstrual cycle
- Find out what kind of fasting is best for different stages of your monthly cycle. 24-hour fast can be beneficial for gut healing, while a 48-hour fast can help reset your dopamine system. And if you’re looking to lose weight, a 36-hour fast may be helpful.
- Manage stress and identifying stressful phases in your cycle. Use relaxation techniques to help maintain hormonal balance. (Pilates, walking, singing, deep breathing, socialising etc)
Dr Pelz’ book is a refreshing read with lots of helpful tips, and I am more than happy to discuss the most helpful changes my clients can make for improved hormone health in personal consultations.
DUTCH Complete Test for hormone health
I also recommend the DUTCH Complete test as it provides a complete assessment of hormonal health, covering adrenal hormones and sex hormones, as well as melatonin and metabolites, from one simple urine sample. It helps women gain insight into hormonal dysfunction and imbalances in order to regain balance based on their specific needs.
Urine samples are taken at specific times throughout the day on specially designed filter paper. They are processed at Precision’s lab to be processed and the results are discussed with reference to personalised health plans in consultations with me afterwards.
You can find more information about the DUTCH Complete test on my website here.
Helpful links:
You can watch a video of Dr Mindy Pelz talking about the DUTCH test.
You can find lots of short helpful videos with key tips and insights into fasting on Dr Pelz’ You Tube Channel, which includes diet and lifestyle hacks, how to lose stubborn belly fat, what happens when you stop eating grains, good fats that help weight loss, preparing for a water fast, embarking on a prolonged fast, and the best foods to optimise female hormones.
I hope you have found this helpful and I would love to talk to you in more detail during your next consultation!
With every blessing,
Emma
Emma Maitland-Carew – Registered Nutritional Therapist
Dip.ION, mBANT, CHNC Registered Practitioner, ILM Accredited Wellbeing Coach
Certified Live and Dried Blood Analysis, Metabolic Balance® Coach, HeartMath Coach, Accredited Wellbeing Coach
