Is It Possible to Restore Hormones by Diet?
Hormonal problems can negatively affect health. Men and women who experience hormonal imbalance suffer from brain fog, memory problems, irritability, low energy level, and poor sex drive. But with a proper diet and healthy lifestyle, it is possible to improve hormone fluctuations.
What are Hormones?
Hormones are substances produced by an organism and conveyed to cells and tissues to stimulate a biological response. They have a direct and indirect influence on the different functions of the body. For example, sex hormones can alter mood or behavior. Hormones can affect brain function and the immune system too.
When hormones are high or low, people experience symptoms of hormone imbalance such as mood swings, trouble concentrating, heart palpitations, irritability, weight problems, and many more. These are common manifestations, but symptoms may vary from one person to another – and sometimes, worse.
What Can I Take to Balance my Hormones?
It is essential to find the real cause of hormonal imbalance. Such can be done by blood test, hormone health check up. The body produces many types of hormones, but cortisol, estrogen, thyroid hormones, and testosterone are often measured in a blood test. If you have abnormal levels of these hormones, consuming the following foods helps the levels improve.
- Cortisol. To diminish cortisol levels in the body, avoid excessive consumption of proteins like shellfish, nuts, beef, or eggs.
- Estrogen. Eating flax seeds, miso, tofu, and sesame seeds can increase estrogen levels naturally.
- Hypothyroidism. Consumption of eggs, dairy, nuts, and seaweed help boost thyroid function.
- Testosterone. Onion, garlic, meats, fish, and almonds trigger testosterone production and therefore help improve sexual drive and performance.
How to Lose Weight While on Hormone Replacement Therapy?
While there is no clear link between weight gain and hormonal therapy, many women report higher body mass indexes (BMI) when on hormone replacement therapies. The following are tips on how to lose weight while on hormone replacements:
- Eat breakfast. Never skip the first meal of the day.
- Physical activity. Hit the gym, enroll in aerobic classes, or do home workouts.
- Watch your diet. Avoid refined carbohydrates, and eat fatty fish twice a week.
- Cut down salt intake. Salt invites water retention and may intensify belly fats.
- Hydrate. Drink plenty of water, and limit sugary drinks.
How to Cure Hormonal Imbalance?
Early diagnosis and detection of hormone imbalances mean better outcomes in treatments. It is possible to restore hormonal balance by establishing a healthy lifestyle and eating a proper diet. However, nutritional supplements or the use of synthetic hormones may be options to treat severe hormonal imbalances.
How Can I Balance my Hormones?
People aged 50 and above often report hormonal imbalances and fluctuations. When you are experiencing signs that tell your hormones are off-balance, it is better to have them checked and treated. Otherwise, it will be more challenging to manage them naturally at a later time. The following are ways to sustain healthy levels of hormones in all stages of life.
- Establish a sleep routine. Sleep and wake up at the same time every day.
- Enjoy sunshine. Vitamin D helps communicates hormones with other hormones.
- Eat healthily. Incorporate the three (3) macronutrients in every meal – that is, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Aim to eat five (5) portions of fruits and vegetables daily.
- Drink green tea daily. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and helps improve blood sugar levels.
