The Impact of a Plant-Based Diet on Hormones and Overall Health
- November 30, 2023
In patient care and wellness, diet is taking center stage. As holistic approaches gain popularity, many practitioners look to the diet to develop plans for both treatment and preventative care. With widespread effects on health, changes in diet can be used to target specific systems and chronic conditions. Remarkably, diet affects the production of several key hormones, from metabolic to sex hormones.
With such a prominent focus on food for whole-body wellness, numerous diets have been studied for their efficacy. Plant-based diets have remained a popular choice for patients and practitioners alike. Particularly for patients with type 2 diabetes, plant-based diets may regulate hormones and improve overall health.
Hormonal Health
Food consumption can affect hormones in a variety of ways. Diet has direct and secondary effects on gut hormone production. It also affects nervous reflexes and hormonal reactions to metabolites in the blood. Shifting from a traditional protein-rich diet to a plant-based diet signals a hormonal chain reaction. So-called mood hormones, growth hormones, and sex hormones are all independently affected by diet. One study compared isoenergetic, protein-rich, and lactovegetarian diets. It found that lactovegetarian diets caused elevated DHEAS in the plasma and reduced urinary output of DHEAS, C peptide, and cortisol. The subsequent metabolic situation was characteristic of healthy fasting.
Most well-known, however, is the effect of plant-based diets on the production and regulation of metabolic hormones.
Metabolic Hormones
Gut microbiota and hormones are directly affected by diet. Compounds in plant-based diets shape metabolic hormone signaling in the gut and the bloodstream. Consequently, plant-based diets are unique in their influence on insulin production and satiety.
Remarkably, plant-based diets show potential as regulators of insulin production, particularly for patients with type 2 diabetes. In one randomized study, patients with type 2 diabetes were given a vegetarian diet for 24 weeks. The control group ate a conventional diabetic diet. Those who ate the vegetarian diet showed significant improvement in their diabetes management. Only 5% of the control group reduced their diabetes medication, while 43% of those who ate a vegetarian meal reduced their medication. This study illustrates the potential of a plant-based diet for regulating insulin production.
Additionally, plant-based diets have been shown to effectively trigger satiety hormones. One study focused on satiety from plant-based diets for obese and diabetic men. Compared to a meal of processed meats and cheese, a vegan, tofu-based meal produced greater satiety. By reducing appetite and increasing insulin levels, plant-based diets may moderate the hormonal aspects of diabetes and obesity.
Soy Products
One reason that plant-based diets may have such a considerable impact on hormonal health is their inclusion of soy and soy-based products. As a common protein substitute in plant-based products, soy tends to be common in vegan, vegetarian, and other plant-based diets. Per day, vegans eat an estimated 10 to 12 grams of soy protein. This significant increase in soy consumption may be partially responsible for the effect of plant-based diets on sex hormones.
Soy is a potent natural source of isoflavones, which are able to bind to estrogen receptors. Soy products have even been used as an estrogen-supplement replacement. Soybeans have also been used to reduce rhytids.
Additional Health Benefits
As well as managing metabolic and other hormone production, plant-based diets offer a myriad of health benefits. A plant-based diet brings an additional intake of carotenoids, phenolic acid, and flavonoids. These work to reduce inflammation and oxidation. Carotenoids and flavonoids have even been theorized to have a cancer-fighting effect.
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects can benefit many systems of the body. Consequently, they can be incorporated into preventative care for several conditions and diseases. Plant-based diets have been connected to a reduced risk of cancer and ischemic heart disease. Plant-based diets also manage risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and lipid profile. As a result, plant-based diets may work to prevent strokes.
Plant-based diets have also been promoted for weight loss. One systematic review showed that 19 out of 32 studies had positive results from plant-based diets. In this study, plant-based diets caused greater weight loss for patients with type 2 diabetes than alternatives. Additionally, these diets resulted in significant metabolic improvement.
As each patient faces different dietary needs, personalized patient data is key. Many who commit to plant-based diets in the long term may experience deficiencies in key nutrients, including vitamin B12, iron, and essential fatty acids. As a result, it’s necessary to regularly monitor these levels. To make plant-based diets that match your patient’s needs, in-depth information is invaluable. Access Medical Labs offers several customizable panels that provide insights into your patient’s hormones. With results within 48 hours, these panels are helpful before, during, and after dietary treatment.
Additionally, our heart health and wellness health screens can track the whole-body effects of plant-based diets. Access Medical Labs offers a range of specialty tests that can help you spend less time on labs and more time with your patients. Register today for efficient and convenient diagnostic services.
More About Dr. Ghen
Mitchell Ghen, DO, Ph.D. has 33 years of experience in Anti-Aging and holistic and integrative medicine. Along with his work in nutritional medicine, “Dr. Mitch” has a remarkable amount of experience as an expert clinician and researcher in the field of stem cell transplantation.
In addition to being a physician, Dr. Mitch holds a Master’s Degree in Biomechanical Trauma and has a Ph.D. in nutrition and psychoneuroimmunology. He is an international lecturer on oral and IV nutrition and stem cell transplantation and is recognized as one of the premier teachers at conferences and seminars on integrative medicine. His private practice is in Boca Raton, Florida.
Dr. Mitch’s vast academic knowledge, coupled with his entertaining delivery, makes him one of the most sought after personalities in his field. Currently, he is a medical director for several Natural Medicine companies and a consultant for physicians worldwide, teaching them how to implement integrative medicine into their practices.
He is the co-author of four textbooks including the “Advance Guide to Longevity Medicine,” “The Ghen and Raine’s Guide to Compounding Pharmaceuticals,” “The Anti-Aging Physicians’ Handbook for Compounding Pharmaceuticals,” and “The Essentials and Science of IV Parenteral Medicine.”