Hormonal imbalance – as the word itself signifies the imbalance of hormones in the human body. It is either excess or less of hormones in our bloodstream. Hormones are typically chemicals that are produced by the body and are much needed for the bodily functions to occur naturally and properly. Different types of hormones are released from different glands in the body and all have a different role to play. These quality and quantity of the hormones are controlled by our endocrine system (pituitary gland, pancreas, thyroid, testes, parathyroid, ovaries, hypothalamus and he adrenal glands).

But if any or more hormone levels are upset, it could cause a series and serious health issues to us. These hormones have a deep impact on our physical, mental and emotional well being. These hormones collective plays some major role in our body function like:      

  • Controlling the heart rate    
  • Determining our sleep cycle
  • Controlling our appetite and metabolism
  • Our sexual cycle and reproductive system 
  • Body functionality and temperature
  • Our mental status, mood and stress levels 

Now, you know that each gland in our body has a separate role to play and imbalance in the hormones from a particular gland results in different set of health problems and has different symptoms. Some of the most common are:     

  • sudden weight gain or loss                        
  • anxiety and depression
  • irritability and mood swings             
  • skin rashes with dry skin
  • sleeping problems                                 
  • excessive sweating
  • headaches                                              
  • depression
  • feeling of thirst                                     
  • frequent urination
  • bloating and digestive problems        
  • high sensitivity to cold or heat
  • infertility                                                   
  • thinning of hairs
  • impaired vision                                       
  • hoarseness in voice
  • lack of appetite                                         

Though hormonal imbalance occurs with age and time, today’s modern day lifestyle and living habits is also large; responsible for it. Fortunately, a healthy and nutritious diet along with healthy lifestyle changes can actually control and reverse its effects. 

Let’s look at how our diet can help us prevent hormonal imbalance and help us reverse its effects:

Healthy Fats: Eat Plenty of Them

Adding high quality long-chain fatty acids in our diet will help in keeping the hormones in control. Inclusive of saturated fats and cholesterol, our body needs various types of healthy fats for hormone production. These essential fats not only are responsible for the production of hormones, but ate also essential for weight loss, promote metabolic rate and lower inflammation. 

Good sources are fatty fishes like salmon, sardine and herring, coconut oil, avocados and walnuts. 

Proteins: Eat good Quantity in Every Meal

Proteins are made up of amino acids and some of which our body cannot manufacture of its own and therefore, has to be supplied to the body through the foods we eat. They are instrumental for our healthy skin, bones and muscles. The major role that it plays in this context is that, it regulates the growth and release of hormones that is responsible for our food intake and control of our appetite. Ghrelin, the hunger hormone is regulated by proteins and makes us feel full. Therefore, consuming more of proteins will help us regulate hormones and mainly the ones that controls our appetite. 

No White Sugar, No Refined Carbohydrates 

Sugar and refined carbs has been associated with a number of health problems and this is also one of them hormonal imbalance. When we eat them, our body easily converts them into glucose, and it releases insulin to counter it. The more we eat them the body releases more of it. After a certain point, the body become resistant to the insulin released causing a lot of health problems. Insulin is attached with certain hormones like estrogen, cortisol and progesterone. All of it messes up and causes imbalance. Instead of eating these, eat complex carbs, proteins and healthy fats that will keep blood sugar in check and insulin working properly.  

Green Tea: Drink More of it

Green tea benefits are not unknown to mankind. It has been used as a medicine to heal a number of health problems since the ancient past. In addition to containing caffeine that stimulates and improves our metabolism it has antioxidant properties too that have numerous health benefits. People who are diabetic and obese, green tea is a must and it helps control insulin levels and thereby hormonal imbalance.  

Ensure High Quality Fiber in your Diet 

Fibers are an essential part of any healthy diet and both types – soluble and insoluble. Diet rich in fiber helps in controlling appetite by giving a feeling of satiety and also helps regulate insulin sensitivity and other hormones that control hunger, food intake and giving a feel of fullness. 

Always remember that moderation and balance is the key to a healthy life. Finding out time to eat well and eat healthy, exercise properly, sleep well and relax is crucial for healthy life with healthy hormones.