Here’s the deal: your hormones are the master controller of your entire body. This includes how both the mind and body function. “Hormones are used by every cell in your body,” says Dr. Erika Schwartz, the author of four books on hormones.
Hormones impact everything including:
- Mood
- Metabolism
- Reproduction
- Sexual Function
- Growth and Development
Yes, in fact the mood you’re in may be largely dependent on your hormones. Especially if you’re one of those people with fluctuations. But there’s quite a bit you can do to balance hormones. First of all, have your levels checked to see where you fall and then take steps to make changes.
1. Get Enough Sleep
This is the single most important thing you can do to keep your hormones in balance. If you’re not getting at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night over a long period of time, you’re going to have imbalanced hormones.
2. Eliminate Artificial Sweeteners
According to Dr. Erika Schwartz, artificial sweeteners wreak havoc on your hormones so dump the diet soda and other sugar-free junk foods.
Read more about artificial sweeteners
3. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol both stress your adrenals, so it’s best to vastly reduce your intake. The adrenals are responsible formoderating stress response throughout the body. Located just above the kidneys, they control the production of hormones including DHEA, progesterone, cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone. Cortisol is the most important hormone associated with stress and the adrenals.
4. Avoid Toxins
Pesticides, plastics, chemical cleaners, and tap water may all contain endocrine disruptors like BPA and phthalates. These mess with your hormones without you even knowing it. While it’s impossible to eliminate them completely, reduce them as much as possible by using glass and other non-plastic containers, switching to plant-based cleaners, buying organic foods and toiletries, and filtering your water.
5. Add in Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is amazing for your thyroid health so learn to cook with it. Use it in sautés, to cook eggs, and in baking. You can even use organic coconut oil on your skin. Coconut oil is especially helpful for cooling the agitated body and mind during the summer.
6. Reduce stress
Find ways to reduce stress in your life. One simple way is to add in a morning meditation to cleanse the mind before the day even starts. Find a quiet place before the rest of your home has awaken to sit with your eyes closed for 5 to 10 minutes each morning. Add time as needed. Also consider yoga, tai chi, massage, or take a much needed relaxing vacation.
Read more about stress management
7. Supplement
Talk to your doctor before ever adding supplements into your diet. But if you’re looking to balance your hormones, you many consider making sure you get enough vitamin D, B, and COQ10. Adding in fermented cod liver oil may also be helpful to make sure you’re getting enough omega 3 fatty acids, which also impact your hormones.
This article was originally published on www.NaturallySavvy.com
*Image of “woman“ via Shutterstock
