Hormones are known as the most influential chemical messengers in a woman’s body, sending signals of not only what the body should do but exactly when an essential function should occur. Systematically produced by endocrine glands, hormones ensure everything internally is running smoothly as they travel through the bloodstream to reach their target organ. However, they can get off track and cause the entire production to derail.
This is why you may start feeling side effects when hormones are off-kilter. If you have already been tested for a hormonal imbalance by a doctor or are going to utilize an accurate at-home testing method to measure hormones, such as a saliva or blood spot test, you may be searching for some natural remedies for a hormonal imbalance to get your levels up to par. Here is a general list of actions to take to help get you started toward better health.
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Consume Enough Protein and Healthy Fats
Fuel for energy is crucial to the healthy secretion of hormones. A poor diet is one of the most common causes of a hormonal imbalance. By ensuring you consume an adequate amount of protein daily, you are greatly influencing the release of hormones that enable you to feel full. Hence, you can better control your appetite and food intake.
When you incorporate more healthy fats into your diet, such as omega-three fatty acids, you signal the production of leptin, which is a hormone that also reduces one’s appetite. Lower leptin levels can generate the need to over-eat. Eating more anti-inflammatory omega-three fatty acids instead of carbs can also reduce inflammation and relieve stress and anxiety to balance out hormone levels.
Reduce Your Sugar Intake
Another top natural remedy for a hormonal imbalance is to simply reduce your consumption of refined sugar. A regular, large intake of sugar will cause the pancreas to secrete more insulin. Insulin plays a vital role in metabolism and blood sugar levels. When the hormonal levels of insulin are high, the body may produce an overabundance of testosterone, which can deregulate normal ovulation cycles. A plethora of insulin can also cause an increase in fat storage and weight gain. To better balance these insulin levels, it’s best to avoid or limit refined sugar in your diet.
Sleep Well and Sleep Routinely
Disrupted sleep patterns can easily cause symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance, such as anxiety, high-stress, and depression. No matter your diet or exercise pattern (which both help balance hormone levels), your own health will deteriorate without enough restful sleep.
Hormone secretion commonly takes place during periods of rest. A lack of adequate sleep or poor sleep habits are closely tied to multiple hormonal imbalances, such as ghrelin, leptin, insulin, and cortisol. For an ideal hormonal balance, you need to get at least seven hours of quality sleep per night. If your symptoms appear unresponsive to these lifestyle changes, remember to consult a doctor or practitioner for a conclusive diagnosis of your hormonal imbalance.
