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Looking for natural ways to balance your hormones?
Hormones — such as testosterone, estrogen, adrenaline, insulin, and cortisol — are the major chemical messengers of the body. From feeling hungry to feeling sleepy, our hormones keep our bodies moving. Think your hormones may be out of whack and causing problems? Keep reading to find out how you can balance your hormones naturally at any age.
Some of the most common symptoms and signs of hormonal imbalances include:
Infertility
Irregular periods
Low libido (sex drive)
Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
Changes in appetite
Hair loss/thinning
Digestive issues
Hormonal acne
Insomnia
Fatigue
Depression
Anxiety
Mood swings
1. Exercise regularly
Breaking a sweat regularly can have a profoundly positive impact on your hormone balance. Physical activity is one of the best natural ways to decrease insulin levels, manage stress, combat inflammation, and also boost testosterone levels and other muscle-maintaining hormones that naturally decline with age.
2. Eat More Protein
Are you getting enough protein in your diet? Eating adequate amounts of protein is essential for keeping your hormones, such as ghrelin, in balance.
Studies confirm that consuming sufficient amounts of protein will make you feel fuller, suppress your appetite, increase your metabolism, and boost your fat burning.
3. Increase Healthy Fats
Consuming healthy fats regularly at meals has been shown to not only reduce insulin hormone resistance but also trigger the release of hormones responsible for making you feel full and satisfied after a meal.
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are a great healthy fat option. MCTs are unique in the way that they are absorbed directly by the liver and can be used for immediate energy.
4. Reduce Stress
Stress can do a number on your hormones when it’s not put in check. When you are chronically stressed out, your cortisol levels remain heightened continuously, which, in turn, can lead to overeating, obesity, and increased belly fat.
Adrenaline, which is the other major hormone affected by stress, is often known as your body’s “fight-or-flight” hormone. It provides your body with that wave of energy in response to an immediate threat or danger, but persistently elevated levels of this hormone are associated with high blood pressure, a racing heartbeat, and anxiety.
5. Nutritional Supplements
Natural supplements for hormone balance
There are a few supplements that have been shown to help curb symptoms of a hormone imbalance as well as those that go as far as to restore balance altogether.
Zinc can be taken by premenopausal women to enhance brain function and overall mood
Maca can be taken for sexual dysfunction, low libido, anxiety, and increased fertility in both men and women
Probiotics can be taken to improve mood and gut health
Vitamin C can be taken by women to help restore fertility – it also helps curb anxiety and stress in men and women
Magnesium and B6 taken together can alleviate stress as well as PMS symptoms
Navigating the changes that occur when hormones are out of balance can be confusing but it does not have to be. If you would like more information about managing your hormones give us a call at Renewed Hope Nutrition Center @ 828-644-8510. There are many options available to help restore hormone balance so you can get back to normal.
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