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Writer's pictureKarolina Lampka

The connection between nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalances and the psyche: A holistic coaching approach for well-being

In our hectic world, in which stress, fast pace and high demands are omnipresent, health and well-being are increasingly becoming the focus. What is often overlooked is that our physical well-being is closely linked to our mental health. A key aspect of this connection is nutrient deficiencies and hormone imbalances, which can have significant effects on our psyche. Based on scientific findings and personal experiences, this article highlights how these factors interact and why a holistic approach is also essential in coaching.



The influence of nutrients on the psyche

Nutrition plays a central role in our health. Nutrient deficiencies can lead to a variety of physical problems, but it is often underestimated how much it can also affect our mental state. For example, iron deficiency, one of the most common nutrient deficiencies worldwide, is not only known for its role in anemia, but can also lead to symptoms such as fatigue, poor concentration and depressive moods.


The situation is similar with vitamin D, which is synthesized primarily through sunlight. In countries with little sunlight, especially in the winter months, many people suffer from vitamin D deficiency, which is associated with symptoms such as depression and a general feeling of low spirits.


Hormones and their effect on our well-being

Hormones are chemical messengers that control a variety of functions in our bodies, including mood, energy levels and well-being. A hormone imbalance can therefore have profound effects on our mental health. For women, the menstrual cycle plays a particularly important role. The different phases of the cycle are characterized by different hormone concentrations that can influence well-being and mood.


For example, in the luteal phase, the phase after ovulation and before menstruation, hormonal fluctuations can lead to PMS (premenstrual syndrome), which includes a range of psychological symptoms including mood swings, irritability and depressive moods. These hormonal changes can influence decision-making and cause women to make decisions during this time that they might not have made under other circumstances - such as the previously mentioned hasty decision to break up.


Personal experiences and the importance of holistic care

I know from my own experience how profound the influence of nutrient deficiencies and hormone imbalances can be on the psyche. During a period of my life where I was under a lot of stress, I suffered from both iron deficiency and hormonal fluctuations. The impact was profound: my energy was at an all-time low, periods of depression alternated with periods of extreme irritability, and my ability to make clear decisions was noticeably impaired.


These experiences showed me the importance of a holistic approach to health. It was not enough to treat only the psychological symptoms without considering the underlying physical causes. It was only when I began to specifically improve my nutrient balance and use strategies to stabilize my hormone balance that my mental state improved sustainably.


Therefore, as a coach, I have learned that you have to look at people as a whole and if someone is constantly demotivated and tired, that is not necessarily a character weakness, it could be a defect. Since nutrient therapy in the sense of prevention is not yet very common in Germany, most people only go to the doctor when the poor condition is already extremely advanced and, in the worst case, an illness has already developed. Doctors then only treat the illness itself, but if you just feel bad, it's not an illness and it's still noticeable, there aren't many places you can go. Some alternative practitioners offer this holistic approach, but this type of performance coaching or performance medicine is not yet common in this country.

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