Nutrition Counseling

Good nutrition and healthy eating are vital and play a major role when individuals are on hormone therapy. The problem is there is not one-size-fits-all plan for everyone. We each have different goals, genes and tastes!

The doctors at AAG Health are well aware of this and take care when counseling patients on how to eat for their body type, their weight management goals and most importantly, what to eat and what to avoid when on hormone therapy.

The good news is there are some basic guidelines you can follow to help obtain optimum health, improve quality of life, and make sure you get the best results whilst on an HRT program.

The following are some basic guidelines that AAG Health doctors advocate on how to eat well. These guidelines are available in "AAG Health's Treatment Plan Guidelines" which is a free book we give to all of our patients once they've started on their hormone therapy program.

• It is best to have many small meals during the day. This helps to maintain a health and active metabolism. Eat every 2-4 hours with a goal of at least 5 meals a day. Do not skip meals!
• Each meal should have a source of quality protein: Lean meats and fish for example. If you can't take in enough protein a protein shake (make sure it's low in carbs, fats and sugars) would be adequate.
• Water! Vital for living! Try to drink 8 or more glasses of fresh water per day. Make sure to stay well hydrated when exercising.

"Irrespective of age, when it comes to most normal hormone levels, one must have a certain amount to maintain normal function and avoid illness." Dr. Victor Shabanah Medical Director, AAG Health

• Sugars and starchy foods. Stay away! High- glycemic foods such as white potatoes, white rice, white pasta and white bread and heavily processed foods and snacks convert quickly and are stored as fat in your body. Low-glycemic foods are better: sweet potatoes, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, wholegrain breads, legumes etc.
• Fiber is very important. Fiber helps with everything from preventing inflammation in arteries to increasing good cholesterol. Recent studies show it may help prevent colon cancer. For adults at least 30 grams per day are recommended.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables: high in fiber, low-glycemic. At least 3 servings a day.
• EFA's, Essential fatty acids, otherwise known as healthy fats. Preferably from whole foods such as salmon, almonds, pecans and avocado's. Supplement as needed with CLA and fish oils (enteric coated).
• Antioxidants! Antioxidants! Antioxidants! Free radicals caused by the sun, chemicals and stress are combated by antioxidants. Various sources: berries such as blueberries, cranberries and raspberries. Grapes and pomegranates and even a glass or two of red wine with your evening meal can go a long way.
• Vitamins. Due to modern farming methods many vitamins and minerals are low in many foods. Any additional supplementation is a good idea so a good quality daily multi vitamin is recommended.

It's important that all AAG Health patients should talk about what makes for good nutrition before and during hormone replacement therapy. Call us at 1-800-325-1325 to learn more.