You could probably be doing everything right- having balanced meals on time, exercising to burn away the accumulated calories, drinking enough water and getting enough sleep- and yet you are gaining weight, breaking out, having mood swings or having irregular periods. The underlying cause could very well be hormonal imbalance that has become very prevalent these days due to our lifestyle.
Hormones are the chemical messengers in your body, telling your body what to do in terms of growth, metabolism, reproduction, mood and sexual functions. Hormones are produced by the endocrine glands in our own bodies using cholesterol and and good fats. So if you are not giving your body enough raw materials to produce hormones, then you know that you will have a hormone imbalance.
Home remedies to treat Hormonal Imbalance
Modify your diet
Cut down on the consumption of processed food. The best way to do it is to stay away from the processed food section while buying your groceries. Consume food in their most natural form, if possible. Reduce your caffeine intake and switch to green tea instead. Avoid poly saturated fatty acids like canola oil, margarine or vegetable oils, basically, anything that is processed and chemically altered. Switch to healthier oils like olive oil, coconut oil, butter or ghee.
Include these in your diet
1. Flax seeds:
They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids (which are needed for the production of hormones) and phytoestrogen. The phytoestrogen helps combat against the raising estrogen levels in the body by preventing estrogen from binding to the receptors. It balances the hormone levels in the female reproductive system and it also helps in maintaining the correct progesteron:estrogen ratio. It helps in normalizing the balance of hormones in the thyroid, kidney and the pancreas.
Add flax seeds to your diet by sprinkling it in your cereal or mixing its powder in your pancake batter or bread dough.
2. Avocados :
Avocados are rich in essential fatty acids, phytonutrients, vitamins, zinc and potassium, all of which are needed to maintain the hormone secretion at optimum levels. Avocados are rich in vitamin E and zinc, both of which help in maintaining the pituitary, thyroid and the ovaries in top condition. Thus, avocados help in treating hormonal imbalances and must be consumed regularly.
Also Read – How Avocado is great for your Skin and Hair Here
3. Nuts:
Nuts are rich in mono unsaturated fatty acids and also packed with proteins, anti-oxidants, minerals, vitamins B and E – all of which help in increasing the hormone secretion in the body. Introduce nuts in your daily diet by way of adding them to your food or consuming them as a snack when you are on the go. They are a great source of energy and help keep you fit and bouncy too.
4. Dandelion Roots:
Dandelion Roots have Taraxasterol and taraxerol, compounds which help in balancing the level of hormones in the body. Fresh Dandelion roots are available in many countries. In order to consume it, boil the roots in water, strain the liquid and drink it up. If you do not have access to Dandelion roots, you could definitely find packaged Dandelion Root tea bags at your nearest grocer.
5. Alfalfa:
Alfalfa is another plant which is rich in phytoestrogens, just like flax seeds. It is also rich in magnesium, zinc and many amino acids needed to produce proteins. You can consume its sprouts, supplements or have it as a tea.
Also Read – 5 Health Benefits & Medicinal Uses of Alfalfa Here
Reduce Stress Levels
If you are in a stressful job or are constantly anxious about something in your life, then it can cause a lot of hormonal imbalance in your body. Take to meditation, calm your nerves. Exercise to take your mind off the stress and to boost the metabolism in your body. Get a good night’s sleep in order to give your body enough time to repair itself each night.
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