April 21, 2018
Health Tip Fix The Hormones That
Control Your Weight
Balance Hormone Levels Naturally
Hormones play a pivotal role in our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing
These hormones, acting as chemical messengers, help control our appetite, weight, mood, stress levels, etc.
Typically, the endocrine glands produce the exact quantity of hormones needed for numerous processes in the body.
However, too much or too little production of these hormones could cause a hormonal imbalance.
Hormonal changes could occur at certain point s in our life such as puberty, menstruation, puberty, and menopause. However, our fast-paced modern lifestyle could lead to the faulty production of hormones.
Factors that could lead to hormonal imbalance include; aging, poor nutrition, too much or too little exercise, stress, lack of sleep, adrenal exhaustion, eating disorders, metabolic disorders such as diabetes, toxins, certain medications, tumors, and exposure to chemicals such as pesticides.
Common symptoms of hormonal imbalance include; excess hair growth, hair loss, fatigue, insomnia, low sex drive, irritability, mood swings, weight problems, infertility, dry or oily skin, premenstrual syndrome, acne, and food cravings.
Below are some tips and good practices, to consider, if you are dealing with hormonal imbalances;
- Cut down on your consumption of sugar as well as refined and processed foods.
- Avoid using synthetic hormones such as birth control pills.
- Ensure that both the quality and quantity of your sleep is adequate.
- Minimize your exposure to stressful situations. You could opt for yoga and meditation as well as other relaxation techniques to help you manage your stress.
- Limit your consumption of caffeine as it increases your cortisol levels which could, in turn, impair your thyroid functions.
- Limit your use and exposure to plaster and environmental toxins.
- Endeavor to eat foods that are rich in vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Opt for organic foods instead of non-organic ones.
1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids not only helps in balancing the levels of various hormones in your body but also provides a boost of antioxidants. Its anti-inflammatory action heals the body and improves your overall health. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to reduce cramps and other symptoms associated with menstruation and menopause in women. Incorporate foods such as oily fishes, olive oil, soybeans, chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts and tofu in your daily diet to maintain adequate hormone levels in your body.
Fenugreek seeds contain diosgenin, a phytoestrogen that has estrogenic properties. As such, fenugreek is often used as a home remedy for breast enlargement and for increasing lactation. Fenugreek also lowers the blood sugar level by improving glucose metabolism. For this remedy, put a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a cup of hot water and let it sit for 12-15 minutes. Strain the liquid and drink it twice or thrice every day. You may also take fenugreek supplements after discussing the required doses with your doctor.
Coconut oil is probably the best food to balance your hormone levels, especially if you are suffering from hypothyroidism. Extra-virgin oil of coconut has a high amount of medium chain fatty acid that improves thyroid functioning. Extra-virgin coconut oil is also useful in managing weight and regulating the body’s blood sugar levels. In addition to those, coconut oil also strengthens our immunity and increases the body’s ability to fight various diseases. Consume at least 2-3 teaspoons of it along with your foods for several months to reap the benefits.
2. Fenugreek
3. Coconut Oil
4. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for the better functioning of the pituitary gland. Since this gland is responsible for producing various hormones in the body, it is important to maintain its optimal functioning. Vitamin D also assists in combating low estrogen levels in the body. To maintain vitamin D levels in your body, you could increase your exposure to the early morning sun. You may also include vitamin-D rich foods, such as milk, eggs, cod liver oil and fatty fishes, in your diets.
5. Protein-Rich Food
6. Maca Root
7. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha or Withania somnifera is an age-old remedy for balancing hormones and improving the overall health of an individual. Ashwagandha not only helps in enhancing the functioning of thyroid but also assists in the production of dehydroepiandrosterone, androgens as well as testosterone. All you have to do is take 300mg of its supplement twice every day for several months. Don’t forget to consult your doctor before starting on any supplement, especially if you have a health condition.
