Hormones & Performance: Insights from Keyspan’s Functional Nutritionist

At Austin Simply Fit, we know that training hard is only part of the equation when it comes to optimizing your performance. That’s why we’re excited to partner with Keyspan, a functional wellness service that digs deeper into your health by addressing the root causes of your body’s challenges. Recently, we had the chance to sit down with Keyspan’s functional nutritionist, Jen Katz, for an in-depth discussion on the role hormones play in your overall wellness and performance. Here’s what we learned.

Hormones: Beyond Just Testosterone and Estrogen

When people think of hormones, they typically focus on testosterone and estrogen. But, as Jen pointed out, hormones are far more complex than that. Other hormones like insulin, leptin, cortisol, and vitamin D all play crucial roles in how our bodies function every day—regulating everything from blood sugar levels to your mood.

Take insulin, for example. “Insulin is vital for processing the food we eat,” Jen explained. “When insulin levels get out of balance, it can lead to insulin resistance or diabetes.” It’s important to remember that blood sugar imbalances can also disrupt other hormones, like cortisol, creating a chain reaction that affects your overall health and performance.

At ASF, we help you track these key health markers through our partnership with Keyspan, which offers comprehensive blood testing and coaching. By keeping an eye on your insulin levels, vitamin D, and more, you can make smarter decisions about your fitness and overall wellness.

A Personalized Approach to Nutrition

It’s not just about macros (protein, carbs, fats)—it’s also about the micronutrients like vitamins and minerals that fuel your body and regulate your hormones. “Vitamin D doesn’t just impact your bones—it functions like a hormone,” Jen noted. “It influences everything from your immune system to your ability to process insulin.”

That’s why we recommend Keyspan’s personalized approach, which includes testing over 25 biomarkers to develop a customized plan for nutrition and supplements. You’ll know exactly what your body needs to perform at its best, no guesswork required.

Aging and Hormonal Health

As we get older, our hormone systems slow down, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. Jen compares it to a team sport: “Even though individual systems lose efficiency over time, you can build a strong ‘team’ with good nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle choices to stay on top of your game.”

Strength training is crucial here. “Muscle helps clear extra estrogen and balance insulin,” Jen shared. That’s why we recommend incorporating weight training into your routine to maintain muscle mass, which in turn promotes hormone balance and overall metabolic health.

Jen also emphasized the importance of a protein-rich, fiber-forward diet to stabilize blood sugar and regulate key hormones like insulin and cortisol. That’s a big reason we focus on tailored nutrition here at ASF, because what you eat directly impacts how well your body handles those intense training sessions.

How to Prevent Hormonal Imbalances

Supporting your hormones requires more than just watching your diet. It also means paying attention to things like sleep, hydration, and detoxification. “Liver health is key,” Jen explained, “because it’s responsible for clearing out excess hormones like estrogen.” Simple dietary tweaks like adding lemon peel, chia seeds, and plenty of water can make a big difference in keeping your liver healthy and your hormones balanced.

Another tip from Jen? Try intermittent fasting. A 12-hour fast between dinner and breakfast can promote fat burning, stabilize your blood sugar, and give your body a chance to rest and reset.

The ASF Advantage with Keyspan

Here at Austin Simply Fit, we don’t just care about how much you can lift or how fast you can run. We’re committed to helping you optimize your health from the inside out.

With our Thrive program, you’ll get a comprehensive health assessment, along with personalized coaching and nutrition plans to help you thrive—not just in the gym, but in life. Whether you’re dealing with hormonal imbalances or just want to optimize your overall performance, we’ve got the tools and expertise to help you get there.

Ready to Take Control of Your Health?

By partnering with Keyspan, we’re giving our members the opportunity to dig deeper into their health and take control of their wellness. With the right support, you can balance your hormones, boost your performance, and feel stronger than ever.

Interested in learning more? Get in touch with your trainer or sign up here.