Balancing Your Hormones

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Wikipedia defines hormone as a class of regulatory biochemical substance produced in all multicellular organisms by glands and transported by the circulatory system to a distant target organ to coordinate its physiology and behavior.

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Simply, they are your body’s chemical messengers. The names estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, cortisol, insulin, etc., might be familiar to you. They affect many aspects of your health as they travel in your bloodstream throughout your entire body. Some of the most common side effects of hormone imbalance include infertility, weight gain, depression, fatigue, insomnia, low libido, hair loss and hair thinning, etc.

Organs and glands like your thyroid, adrenals, pituitary, ovaries, testicles and pancreas regulate most of your hormone production and if your hormones become even slightly imbalanced it can cause major health issues. But balancing your hormones is not that difficult and can boost your personal and professional life in ways you never imagine. However, majority of people across the world today turn to synthetic treatments such as hormone replacement therapy which can cause serious side effects by increasing your risk of stroke, osteoporosis and cancer. EHC brings you ways to naturally balance your hormones.

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Lower Your Stress Level

Studies show that women who participate in a daily meditation or yoga experience less hormonal swings than those who do not mediate stress in some fashion. Rest is also important. Many women have such hectic lifestyles that they give their body little time to re-adjust from life’s demands. This disrupts the natural hormones cycles in women. Find small ways to incorporate rest and relax throughout the day.

A Good Night’s Sleep

Sleep is when our body recovers from any imbalance it may have suffered throughout the day. Lack of sleep swings hormones into over-drive. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night.

No Caffeine

It has been shown that stimulants, such as caffeine, cause the adrenal gland to over-produce hormones. Try to cut-down or cut-out your caffeine intake.

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Sun Bath

Giving your body a healthy helping of full spectrum sunlight can help stabilize hormones. Get out and take a walk around the block a couple of times a week. This will help get you the exercise you need, as well as the sunshine your body craves.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These fats act to create responsive and healthy cell membranes, allowing hormones to adhere to the cell more easily. Omega-3 fatty acids also aid the body in keeping the cellular receptor sites (where hormones bind) repaired and in optimal condition.

Avoid Toxins

Toxins found in pesticides, plastics, household chemicals, beauty products and even mattresses can contain hormone disrupting chemicals that mimic hormones in the body and keep the body from producing real hormones. Things like the contraceptive pill do the same thing. Consider natural ways of preventing pregnancy. Use a glass bottle instead of a plastic one for your water. Use a water filter, and eat organic produce and meat whenever possible.

Supplements

• Iodine – Iodine is a trace mineral most of us are deficient in. Unless you are eating fish broth and seaweed every day, take 12.5mg of iodine daily.
• Vitamin D3 – This is a pre-made hormone that supports new hormones. You can get it by getting enough sun but during winter or certain parts of the world this just isn’t possible, so either supplement, take fermented cod liver oil, or eat foods high in vitamin D. Do not ever take synthetic D2.
• Fermented Cod Liver Oil & Butter Oil – It provides many of the necessary building blocks for hormone production including vitamins A, D and K. It also is a great source of Omega-3s and beneficial fats. It is much better than fish oil or normal cod liver oil. Butter oil is high in the essential nutrient vitamin K2, which works alongside hormone builders such as vitamins A & D.
• Magnesium – This supports hundreds of reactions in the body and often contributes to better sleep. The best way to get magnesium is actually through your skin, either through an oil, a spray, or magnesium flakes inside a homemade skin cream.
• Gelatin – This is a great source of calcium, magnesium and phosphate. It supports hormone production and digestive health and helps sooth inflammation.

Nutrition

All you have to do is eat balanced, real food meals (not packaged or processed) that are nutrient dense. Prepare your food properly as well, as this can enhance nutrient absorption and reduce nutrient inhibitors such as phytic acid. So soak or sprout your nuts, seeds and grains before consuming.

Avoid Soy

Soy is a goitrogen, which blocks iodine uptake in the body. In women, iodine is stored in the thyroid gland, the breasts and the ovaries. It is okay to eat soy in small amounts, as a condiment, as long as it is naturally fermented.

More Fiber

Get more fiber into your diet with raw fruit, raw vegetables, and things like chia seeds. Fiber binds itself to old estrogen, clearing it out of the system, and leading to better overall balance. This is good for men and women who suffer from estrogen dominance.

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Image courtesy: blogspot.com , itskat.wordpress.com , futurederm.com