Hormones are the little messangers that control the functions of the body. Too little of one hormone or too much of another can lead to many health issues or conditions that cause problems. Hormones are part of the endocrine system and do everything from regulating heart rate to influencing behavior. If your body has even a small problem with hormone levels, it can cause a huge disturbance. To help maintain good health and keep your body functioning at top level, you can balance your hormones naturally.
Hormone imbalance shows up in a myriad of ways.
Some of the most obvious ways that hormonal imbalances show are in weight gain, irregular periods, infertility, low libido and insomnia. However, depression, anxiety, change in appetite, digestive problems, thinning hair and hair loss and fatigue are also signs of hormonal imbalance. The first thing you have to do is get on a road to healthy eating and good health. Start by including healthy fat in your diet. Healthy fat should replace carbohydrates. You’ll find healthy fat in avocados, coconut oil, butter from grass fed cows and wild salmon,just to name a few, but important source. Steer clear of foods containing omega-6 fatty acids, such as safflower, corn and canola oil.
Include adaptogen plant based foods.
Adaptogens help boost the immune system and protect the body from stressors. They also aid in balancing hormones. Holy basil, medicinal mushrooms, rhodiola and ashwangandha or a few adaptogens. Holy basil, which is different from sweet basil, protect the body from chemical and heavy metal stress caused by pollutants. Medicinal mushrooms include cordyceps, lion’s mane, coriolus, chaga, maitake, reishi, shiitake and agaricus blazei. Maitake may be one of those best known that provide the most benefit for balancing hormones. Ashwagandha, also known as Indian Gensing, helps balance the thyroid hormones.
Exercise your way to a healthy hormone balance.
Circuit training, short cardio, heavy lifting and even just plain walking can help realign your hormones and even help you produce more of those lacking. One study showed that lifting heavier weights with fewer reps helped boost HGH in women. HGH is the youth hormone. Circuit training helped raise testosterone and HGH, while boosting insulin response. Walking it off, particularly in a natural stress free setting, can eliminate stress and help balance hormones.
- Learn meditation techniques and relaxation techniques. Stress can cause hormonal imbalances.
- Get adequate sleep and make sure the room is dark. A dark room boosts melatonin production. Extra sleep reduces cortisol.
- Supplement your nutritional needs naturally. Bone broth, probiotic foods and vitamin D from the sun help regulate hormones. Be careful to time sun exposure, as too much can cause skin damage. If getting out in the sun isn’t possible, supplement with vitamin D.
- Check with your doctor to see if any medications, birth control or other prescription drugs could be the cause and see if there’s an alternative to use.