5 Successful Remedies To Balance Hormones Naturally

The body’s endocrine system comprises ductless glands that secrete ‘hormones’, or naturally existing ‘chemical messengers’ into the bloodstream whenever required. The hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, adrenals, pineal body, and reproductive organs are the body’s primary endocrine glands. 

Hormones are responsible for maintaining, controlling, and regulating a person’s physical as well as mental health. You can consider hormones as your body’s personal messengers that strive to maintain a strong connection between the mind and the body. Each hormone has a domino effect on the other –  too little or too much of a hormone can either increase or counter the effects of other hormones. 

What is Hormonal Imbalance? 

There are a host of environmental, mental, and physical risk factors that can impact hormonal balance in the body. For instance, dietary toxins, obesity, and stress are causative factors for inducing hormonal imbalance.

Hormonal imbalances can manifest as acne, weight gain or loss, fatigue and lethargy, depression, anxiety, and mood changes. From a decrease in appetite to improper functioning of the digestive system, resulting in diarrhea, flat, license, bloating, and constipation, hormonal imbalance has a major influence on the body’s digestive system. 

Here’s How To Get Your Hormones Balanced Naturally

Mentioned below are 5 natural remedies that medical experts believe can prevent hormonal imbalance in healthy individuals:

#1 Protein-rich Diet

Known commonly as the ‘building blocks of the body, amino acids, the simplest form of protein, are found naturally in the human body as well as in other forms of animal-derived or plant-based protein. 

Our body is dependent on 8 amino acids – also known as essential amino acids – from dietary intake for sustainability. These essential amino acids are pivotal in forming hormones – for instance, thyroxine is derived from tyrosine, an amino acid. 

A healthy intake of protein is necessary for intervening in various body processes, mainly growth and appetite regulation. As per a study conducted on teenagers, it was concluded that a protein-rich diet contributes to fullness, and consequently, weight loss, by decreasing the circulating levels of ‘ghrelin’, a hunger hormone, in the blood. 

Chicken, eggs, lentils, and fish are some of the high-yield protein sources. A daily intake of 46 – 56 grams (or 0.8g per kg of body weight as per the RDA) of protein is recommended for maintaining bodily processes in sedentary adults. 

#2 Daily Exercise is a Must!

Apart from boosting levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, exercise helps to release ‘happy hormones’ or ‘endorphins’ in the body. Regular exercise is a beneficial aid in weight loss as it helps to burn fat by shedding extra calories.

Exercise also helps to boost your blood flow to the muscles which ultimately helps hormones to relay their signals to the target cells more effectively. People with medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus and obesity have insulin receptors that are resistant or less sensitive to the effects of insulin. Whether or not exercise has a direct influence on increasing insulin sensitivity in diabetics is still unknown, but the fact that it does play a role is worthy of debate as an aid in weight loss. 

#3 Adjust Your Sleep Routine

Your nutritious dietary intake and enthusiastic workout regimen cannot spare your body from increasing cortisol levels if your sleep routine is disturbed. Deep and adequate slumber is also necessary for keeping ghrelin levels at bay. Sleep deprivation can further impact insulin sensitivity, leading to an overall increase in cortisol levels and a decrease in insulin sensitivity. 

A study demonstrated a 25% decrease in insulin sensitivity in 14 healthy adults due to a sleep cycle of 5 hours. An asleep regimen of 7 – 8 hours daily is recommended so that your body can restore and replenish its resources and processes. 

#4 Reduce Stress – Consult a Therapist

Stress and anxiety are two of the main contributory factors to a disturbed sleep schedule, breakouts, weight gain, hair loss, and depression. With increased stress hormone (cortisol) levels, your body will not only increase your appetite but sugar cravings as well. 

Combatting stress, anxiety, or depression might be hard on your own, but you can always work with a therapist to find out which treatment best suits you. Many therapists suggest art therapy as well as practicing mindfulness through yoga, relaxing music, meditation, and journaling to deal with intrusive thoughts and stress. 

#5 Not All Fats Are Bad

Unsaturated fats are considered the holy grail of systemic disease prevention, mainly cardiovascular disease. Also hailed as ‘good’ fats, mono-and-polyunsaturated fats such as Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial in reducing your body’s inflammatory processes as well as decreasing insulin resistance. 

Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish which can make up for your protein intake per meal as well. Other healthy resources of fats include nuts and legumes such as peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, and fruits such as avocado. 

The Final Word

A routine comprising regular exercise, lots of fluids, and adequate rest make up the perfect menu for keeping your stress levels as well as hormone levels at bay. 

However, it is ideal to visit a primary care physician or endocrinologist if you are experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance that are worrisome and unmanageable. Sometimes, a nourishing diet and adequate sleep are insufficient to make up for the required amounts of hormones in your body.

At Manhattan Medical Arts, we are devoted to your health and tend to any signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance that you find troubling. Book an appointment with our primary care physician today to learn more about your hormones and how their imbalance can impact your life.

– Disclaimer –
This blog is for informational & educational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation. For any health related concerns, please consult with your physician, or call 911.