Hormones play a vital role in keeping your cells and organs healthy.
They are the chemical messengers that carry signals to your organs and tissues to help them function properly.
Hormones are secreted into your bloodstream via a network of glands known as your endocrine – or glandular – system. Some of the glands that make up the endocrine system include your pituitary gland, thyroid, thymus, pancreas, pineal gland and adrenal glands, along with the testes in men and the ovaries in women.
They play an essential role in regulating several body processes, including development and growth, metabolism, sexual health and reproduction, appetite, thirst, body temperature, mental function and mood. Some of the most common hormones include adrenaline, which causes a rush of energy in the body; cortisol, which is released when you feel stressed; insulin, which regulates the metabolism; and serotonin, which helps stabilise mood and aids relaxation and sleep.
Your glandular system secretes hormones in microscopic amounts in response to triggers such as stress, illness or infection. However, even the slightest changes to your hormone balance can have significant health implications. So, keeping them in check is vital to maintaining good overall health and wellbeing.
• Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances are a widespread problem, and while their symptoms can be difficult to identify, knowing the signs can help you find the root cause. The most common symptom of hormonal imbalance is hot flushes, which are typically associated with menopause. Some other symptoms include:
- Increased sensitivity to pain
- Lack of energy
- Mood swings
- Headaches
- Irregular periods
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Insomnia or sleep problems
- Headaches or migraines
- Low libido
• What Causes Hormonal Imbalances?
Hormonal imbalances are a common condition in women. They can be caused by many things, including genetics, age, environment, diet, physical activity levels, environmental toxins or hormone-disrupting chemicals in products. Sleep deprivation can lead to decreased levels of cortisol in the body, while poor eating habits can lead to increased levels of oestrogen.
Stress is a major cause of hormonal imbalance symptoms in women. It can increase the production of cortisol, which is linked to weight gain and mood swings. Stress triggers hormones to misfire and cause imbalances in the body. This is because stress impacts your immune system and prevents it from functioning properly.
Stress also affects the body’s ability to regulate insulin and blood sugar levels, which can lead to increased hunger and cravings for sugary foods.
• Tips to Maintain Hormonal Balance
When it comes to maintaining hormonal balance, there are a few simple things you can do. Like with all things relating to your health and fitness, eating well, staying hydrated, getting plenty of exercise and rest and avoiding stress can all help regulate hormone release. So, too, can cutting out bad habits by stopping smoking, reducing your caffeine and alcohol intake and eating fewer processed foods, refined sugars and saturated fats – although the odd treat here and there can help keep cravings at bay. Complementing your diet and lifestyle with natural, nutritional supplements can also help boost your glandular system.
If you’re unsure where to start, here are a few things to incorporate into your daily routine:
• Eat more protein
Protein is nature’s building block and should be a key part of every meal.
It provides the essential amino acids your body can’t make on its own and plays a vital role in developing healthy muscles, bones and skin. Protein helps to regulate the release of hormones that control appetite. It also helps to boost metabolism and burn fat quicker.
• Exercise more
Regular physical activity can promote better hormonal health. It helps to regulate your body’s insulin levels. Insulin serves several functions, including enabling cells to absorb sugar and amino acids from the bloodstream that are metabolised for energy and building muscle. While insulin is vital for natural cell function, too much can lead to health problems, including inflammation, heart disease and diabetes. Over time, your cells can also become resistant to insulin, meaning they won’t respond properly to its signals. Aerobic exercise and strength or endurance training can all help increase insulin sensitivity while reducing insulin production. Exercise also helps to flood your body with endorphins, the feelgood hormones which regulate mood and promote better rest and recovery.
• Clean up your diet
Processed sugar and refined carbohydrates are linked with a wide range of health issues. So, consuming less or avoiding them entirely can help optimise your hormone function and stave off a host of long-term conditions, including heart disease, weight problems and diabetes. Too much processed sugar can increase insulin levels and promote insulin resistance which, as we’ve said above, is a precursor to the onset of more severe illnesses. Eating healthier fats can also help reduce insulin resistance. Your liver can more readily metabolise and convert monounsaturated fats into energy for immediate use. Omega Essential Fatty Acids can also help reduce your levels of stress-response hormones cortisol and adrenaline.
• Reduce stress
Stress can affect your hormonal balance in several ways and can have significant long-term impacts. When you feel stressed, angry, agitated, worried or overwhelmed, your body releases two hormones – cortisol and adrenaline.
Cortisol helps your body cope with stress over the long-term. Adrenaline is responsible for providing your body with an immediate surge of energy – ‘fight or flight’ – in response to threat or danger.Elevated cortisol levels can lead to excessive calorie intake, which can cause weight problems and increased belly fat. Raised adrenaline levels, meanwhile, can cause high blood pressure, anxiety and rapid heart rate. So, learning to keep calm and relaxed and manage stress is essential. When you’re feeling worried or anxious, talking about the way you are feeling with someone you trust can help. Switching off from work, taking some ‘me time’, exercising or practising mindfulness can help clear your mind of any problems. Aromatherapy, using your favourite natural essential oils, is also a good way of helping you to relax.
• Eat the right amount of food
Eating too much or too little can throw your hormonal balance off-kilter and can lead to problems with your weight. Overeating increases insulin levels and reduces insulin sensitivity, especially if you are overweight. However, cutting your calorie intake can lead to an increase in cortisol, which your body will release in response to being ‘starved’.
If you are looking to maintain a healthy weight and better hormonal balance, then eating the right amount of food throughout the day is vital. Eating little and often can be more effective than eating big meals less regularly. The key is to listen to your body and if you are hungry, eat. A rumbling stomach is probably a sign that your body needs food. Just remember to eat the right things and avoid too many unhealthy snacks or sweet treats.
• Take natural supplements
A hormonal imbalance, with either too much or too little of any individual hormone in the body at any given time, can have significant health implications if left unchecked for too long. While eating well can go a long way to supporting healthy glandular function, good quality supplements can top up any shortfall.
Master Gland, our key system product for glandular health, contains a specially formulated blend of antioxidant vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and zinc. It supplies the glands with nutrients that contribute to normal metabolism, and immune system and cognitive function.
Check out these links to our product and collection pages to find out more:
- Glandular System
- Adult Nutrition
- Protein
- Omegas
- Adult Nerves, Sleeping, Relaxing & Stress
- Essential Oils
- Master Gland
Disclaimer:
Information and other content provided in Lily & Loaf blogs should not be construed as medical advice and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise. If you have any medical concerns, you should consult with your health care provider.
