6 Steps to Balance Hormones

What are Hormones?

Hormones are chemicals that send messages throughout the body to trigger different functions. These chemicals are produced by glands in the endocrine system. Hormones are the backbone of our body’s ability to keep us healthy.

What is Hormone Imbalance?

Hormone Imbalance is the result of producing too much or too little of one or more hormones. This can be due to a variety of things including different illnesses and conditions as well as simply lifestyle habits. 

How can I balance my hormones naturally?

1. Test Your Hormone Levels

If you believe you have a hormone imbalance it is important to consult your physician to test your hormone levels, determine the cause, and develop a treatment plan. In addition, there are some lifestyle changes that can help you in your holistic health journey and maintain a healthy balance. 

2. Get Adequate Light Exposure

Sunlight exposure during the first light of the day before artificial light.

Sunlight exposure during the last light of the day during sunset and limiting artificial light for the rest of the night.

3. Tailor Lighting After The Sun Sets

Ideally, we would fall asleep shortly after the sunsets and rise with it in the morning. In the modern world that isn’t usually feasible. In order to maintain our circadian rhythm and our modern lifestyles there are two tricks that help limit disruption. Using red lighting once the sunsets (color changing light bulbs for the win) or the warmest lighting we can find is helpful. Blue light is the most disruptive so if we can’t avoid watching a show or finishing up a project on our computer opt for using Night Mode and wearing blue light glasses. In addition, avoid overhead lighting after sunset as to not trick our brains into thinking the sun is out.

4. Foods to eat

• Omega 3 rich meats; Salmon and Tuna

• Nutrient Dense Carbohydrates; Whole grains (quinoa and brown rice), Root vegetables (Carrots, sweet potatoes, beets)

• Avocados

• Cruciferous Vegetables

5. Foods to avoid

• Processed food

6. Other hormone-regulating habits

• Eat enough protein about 0.8 grams per pound of body weight a day

• Eat vegetables, then proteins and fats, and then carbohydrates to minimize glucose spikes 

• Manage stress by exercising regularly and incorporating mind-calming practices to regulate cortisol levels

DISCLAIMER: This blog is intended to share information and inspire readers on their holistic health journey. The information provided is for general information purposes only and therefore should not be used in place of professional advice. This blog expresses my own ideas and opinions. 

“NOTICE: State law allows any person to provide nutritional advice or give advice concerning proper nutrition—which is the giving of advice as to the role of food and food ingredients, including dietary supplements. This state law does NOT confer authority to practice medicine or to undertake the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, or cure of any disease, pain, deformity, injury, or physical or mental condition and specifically does not authorize any person other than one who is a licensed health practitioner to state that any product might cure any disease, disorder, or condition.”