How to balance hormones the natural way
Hormones have a huge influence on an individual’s overall health. From appetite to mood to weight to skin condition, almost every part of your body is affected by hormone health in some way.
Despite most of us knowing the important role our endocrine system plays in our overall health, hormone imbalances are becoming an increasingly common phenomenon amongst both men and women. Indeed, our fast-paced lifestyles are liable to cause stress, overeating and sleep problems, all of which combine to wreak havoc with our hormones.
Fortunately, restoring one’s equilibrium can be simply achieved by following a few simple, natural steps:
1. Exercise regularly
Many of us shy away from the fact that exercise is good for us, but it can have a huge influence over our hormone health. Indeed, exercising reduces levels of the hormone insulin and increases our insulin sensitivity. Too much insulin can be hugely detrimental to our health as it has been linked to diabetes, inflammation, heart disease and even cancer. Try and do a mixture of cardio and weight training to build muscle and improve your cardiovascular system. If vigorous exercise is not something you’re up to, a brisk walk can be enough to have a huge impact on your hormonal balance.
2. Avoid sugar
Diets high in sugar have been linked to a number of health problems, primarily thanks to the role of insulin. Following a low-carb diet can help with insulin resistance and help those who struggle with their weight or metabolic issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
3. Discover the benefits of green tea
Green tea has a whole host of excellent properties that can help balance our endocrine systems. For one thing, it is high in caffeine, which is a natural metabolism booster. It also boosts levels of an antioxidant called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which has been credited with some great health benefits. Most importantly, research suggests the tea may help lower insulin levels.
4. Sort out your sleep pattern
Sleep should not be underestimated when it comes to its role in our overall health. Poor sleep has been shown to mess with some important hormones including insulin, ghrelin, leptin and cortisol, rendering us grouchier, less aware and hungrier. Try and aim for at least seven hours of high-quality sleep a night.
If you want to discover how your hormones could be affecting your health, why not speak to a nutritionist or fitness specialist near you. Check out our therapist directory to find out more.
