7 Ways To Balance Your Hormones Naturally
February 12, 2020
Hormones affect our physical, mental, and emotional health. And when it comes to losing weight, it becomes absolutely essential to balance your hormones. Not only will it help control your appetite, but it will also help correct a sluggish metabolism, improve your mood, and make you look more vibrant and rested overall!
Unfortunately, today’s fast-paced and busy lifestyle--along with aging--has made the occurrences of hormonal imbalances pretty common.
It’s not too late, though.
A healthy change in your diet and lifestyle behaviors can help enhance your hormonal health and make you feel and be at your best. Let’s have a look at 7 natural ways to balance your hormones.
1. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise!
You’re probably sick of reading about this because it’s been repeatedly said but getting enough exercise is exceedingly important. So if you don’t exercise often, you should start getting to it!
Regular physical activity can positively impact your hormone balance. It’s a great way to manage stress, lower insulin levels, improve testosterone levels, actively fight inflammation, and other muscle-building hormones that inevitably decline as you age.
2. Consume A Sufficient Amount Of Protein
Protein actually helps make you feel full, suppresses your appetite, boosts your metabolism, and improves your body’s ability to burn fat.
Plus, consuming adequate amounts of it helps keep your hormones in balance as it supplies the essential amino acids your body needs [but can't generate on its own] to help maintain your skin, bone, and muscle health. For optimum hormone health, experts favor an intake of 20–30 grams of protein each meal (minimum).
3. Stay Away From Sugar And Processed Carbs
Sugar is your enemy. And refined carbs a villain. Both have been associated with a number of health issues.
Avoiding these foods--or at least reducing consumption to a minimum level--will optimize hormone function, help ward off obesity, along with certain diseases.
4. Increase Intake Of Healthy Fats
Regular intake of healthy fats can essentially make you feel full after a meal. It will also help reduce insulin resistance and trigger the production of hormones that can help curb appetite. So for hormone health, make sure you consume a healthy fat source at every meal.
5. Manage Your Stress
Stress can mess up your hormones--bigtime. It affects two important hormones: cortisol and adrenaline. Cortisol, also referred to as "stress hormone," helps you handle stress, while Adrenaline, or the "fight-or-flight" hormone, supplies you with a rush of energy that allows you to react to immediate danger.
Continued stress causes your cortisol levels to rise and be constantly elevated, which often leads to self-indulgence and increased calorie intake and ergo, weight gain and increased disproportionate belly fat. On the other hand, excessively high adrenaline levels may result in anxiety and high blood pressure.
To help manage your stress, try practicing yoga, meditation, massage therapy, or and listening to soft, relaxing music.
6. Make Green Tea A Part Of Your Regular Diet
It’s not surprising; green tea is probably one of the healthiest drinks around.
It’s not only a metabolism booster, but it’s also a great antioxidant. Regular green tea consumption increases insulin sensitivity and reduces insulin levels. For best results, consider drinking one to three cups a day.
7. Develop Consistently Good Sleeping Habits
You need regular high-quality sleep to restore and rejuvenate your mind and body. It doesn’t matter how disciplined your eating habits are or how frequently you exercise. If you’re not getting enough sleep, your hormones will continue to be out of whack.
It’s also important to note that it’s not just about how much sleep you’re getting, it’s also about the quality of sleep. At a minimum, you need seven hours of good quality sleep for optimal hormone balance.
Hormonal imbalance can lead to weight gain, obesity, heart problems, diabetes, and a host of other health issues. And while you may not be able to control aging, there are changes you can do to ensure your hormones function at its optimal level. Change is the key.
For more help with maintaining a healthy lifestyle, check out our products at Havasu Nutrition and do something your body will thank you for later!
Disclaimer: This blog offers general information on health and nutrition and should not be construed as medical advice or substitute for professional medical treatment. We always recommend seeking the guidance of your doctor or other health professionals regarding your health or a medical condition.
Thanks to these great sources:
12 Natural Ways to Balance Your Hormones
5 Healthy Ways to Balance Hormones Naturally