Why Balancing Hormones is Important
A hormonal imbalance can impact overall health. Some factors are beyond our control but there are manageable elements that can also influence hormone levels.
The endocrine system circulates hormones, which perform various functions throughout the day. Even small changes in hormone levels can result in adverse effects, including extra stress on the body. Symptoms can grow worse over time, and a hormonal imbalance can lead to chronic issues.
For some, making simple lifestyle changes can help restore balanced levels of hormones.
Sleep might be one of the most important factors for hormonal balance. Levels of some hormones may rise and fall throughout the day in response to issues such as the quality of sleep. Sleep disturbance on hormones may contribute to obesity, diabetes, and appetite.
Regularly getting a full, undisturbed night’s rest may help the body regulate hormone levels.
Exposure to blue light (cell phones or computer screens) can disrupt the sleep cycle. The body responds to this light as if it were daylight and adjusts hormones in response. Exposure to any bright artificial lighting at night may confuse the body, causing it to suppress the hormone melatonin, which can negatively affect many functions. Avoiding artificial lights may help regulate hormones and restore a natural circadian rhythm.
There is a link between stress, the endocrine system, and hormone levels. The researchers argue that the link is strong, with even a low level of stress causing an endocrine response.
Stress leads to an increase in adrenaline and cortisol. If levels of these hormones are too high, it can disrupt the overall balance and contribute to factors such as obesity, changes in mood, and even cardiovascular issues.
It’s important to find ways to reduce stress. The simple act of listening to music reduces stress, especially if the person intends to relax.
The hormonal effects of regular exercise may help with overeating. Even short exercise sessions can regulate hormones that control appetite, and regular physical activity reduces the risk of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
Eliminating sugar may help keep levels of hormones, including insulin in check. Sugar plays a role in issues such as metabolic disease and insulin resistance.
Healthy fats may help maintain a balance of hormones involved in appetite, metabolism, and feeling full.
Studies suggests that medium-chain fatty acids, such as those found in coconut oil may work to regulate the cells responsible for the body’s response to insulin and that olive oil may balance levels of a hormone that regulates the appetite and stimulates the digestion of fat and protein.
Fiber may play an important role in gut health, and it may also help regulate hormones such as insulin. Some types of fiber work to balance levels of other hormones as well, which may help a person maintain a healthy weight.
The high levels of fats in some fish can contribute to heart and digestive health and may also benefit the brain and central nervous system. Eating a diet rich in oily fish may help prevent mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Studies suggest adding oily fish to the diet may be beneficial.
The omega-3s in fatty fish may play a particularly significant role in balancing mood, though fully understanding the link may require further research.
Certain lifestyle practices, including exercising regularly, and eating a nutritious diet rich is protein and fiber can help naturally balance your hormones.
Hormones are chemical messengers that have profound effects on your mental, physical, and emotional health. They play a major role in controlling your appetite, weight, and mood.
Typically, your body produces the precise amount of each hormone needed for various processes to keep you healthy.
However, sedentary lifestyles and many dietary patterns may affect your hormonal environment. In addition, levels of certain hormones decline with age, and some people experience a more dramatic decrease than others.
However, a nutritious diet and other healthy lifestyle habits may help improve your hormonal health and allow you to feel and perform your best.
Your hormones are involved in every aspect of your health. You need them in very specific amounts for your body to function optimally.
Hormone imbalances may increase your risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other health conditions.
Although aging and other factors that affect hormones are beyond your control, you can take several steps to help manage your hormone levels.
Consuming nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and engaging in other health-promoting behaviors such as meditating and getting enough sleep may go a long way toward improving your hormonal health.
“He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything.”
~ Arabic proverb