Natural Support of DHEA Levels

Research has shown that our DHEA levels are the critical player in how successfully we age.

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is made from cholesterol by the adrenal glands and is a precursor to 18 steroid hormones including the commonly known sex hormones estrogen and testosterone.  

Healthy DHEA production is critical for lean muscle development, fat burning, bone growth, skin health, and immunity.

A DHEA deficiency significantly increases the risk of age-related conditions.

Our DHEA production naturally peaks between 20-25 years of age and then steadily declines. 

DHEA is used by the body to produce testosterone and estrogen.  When the body is under chronic stress there is a high demand to produce cortisol which reduces the amount of progesterone and DHEA that is produced.

High sugar and carbohydrate consumption increases blood sugar and insulin levels.  Elevated insulin causes a decreased production of DHEA in the adrenals.  Blood sugar imbalances also create critical vitamin and mineral imbalances that stress the adrenals and reduce DHEA production.

High stress causes this process to shift towards cortisol production. This shift essentially `steals` the necessary pregnenolone from the DHEA production pathway to produce more cortisol.  This process depletes DHEA levels.

To increase DHEA

  • Correct Adrenal Stressors

    • Lifestyle factors that deplete DHEA levels should be addressed first. The most important factor includes reducing/eliminating adrenal stressors such as medications, stress, leaky gut syndrome, chronic inflammation, physical nerve stress, nutrient deficiencies, poor sleep, & blood sugar imbalances.

    • An anti-inflammatory diet is a critical part to de-stressing the body and boosting DHEA levels.  This diet should be very low in sugar and carbohydrates and very rich in phytonutrients and trace minerals from fresh, raw or lightly steamed vegetables.  

    • Powerful anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric, ginger, rosemary, thyme, oregano, & cinnamon should be generously consumed on a regular basis.

  • Nutrition is Important for DHEA Production

    • Healthy fat consumption is an essential part of creating cholesterol which is needed to produce DHEA.   Healthy fat sources include coconut products, avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds, & purified omega-3 fish oil supplements.  Healthy protein sources to boost DHEA production include wild-caught fish, grass-fed red meat and free range chicken, turkey, and eggs.

    • Vitamin D plays a very important role in healthy DHEA levels.

    • Intermittent fasting is a form of eating that cycles between not eating (fasting) and eating (feasting) over a period of time. It has countless benefits including cellular repair, increased autophagy, better immune regulation, reduced inflammation levels, increased insulin sensitivity, and lower risk of disease.

    • Intermittent fasting helps to create a healthy balance between stress hormones, DHEA and sex hormone production.  Most people experience the most benefits with the 16:8 approach involving 16 hours of fasting, however, watch your body, energy levels, and symptoms to find what works best for your body.

    • Make sure to eat plenty of nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods during your eating window, and meet your caloric needs.

  • Regular Movement

    • Movement and exercise are great for enhancing DHEA levels when combined with good nutrition and rest.  Do your best to avoid being sedentary but it is also wise to avoid over training and overwhelming your body with exercise. 

  • Use Adaptogenic Herbs

    • Adaptogens are herbs that contain compounds that help us to adapt to stressors more effectively.  

    • These herbs also support optimal DHEA levels and sex hormone production.  Some of the most well known adaptogens include ashwagandha, rhodiola, eleuthero, schisandra, holy basil and ginseng.