Studies have shown that a hormonal imbalance can wreak havoc to one's health. According to health guru The Wellness Mama, hormones are the body's "chemical messengers", travelling through the bloodstream to the organs and tissues. They affect various processes in the body, such as metabolism, reproduction, mood, and growth.
Symptoms like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), sleep problems, abdominal weight gain, among others, can be a sign of a hormonal imbalance that needs to be addressed. The Wellness Mama shares the following tips on how to balance hormones by changing some aspects in one's lifestyle:
Cut Down on the Caffeine
Coffee has been known to jolt us awake in the morning, but too much caffeine can be a recipe for disaster to the endocrine system. This multiplies more with other hormone stressors like toxins, pregnancy, and stress. The Wellness Mama advises replacing coffee with herbal tea, or simply try limiting coffee intake. Infusing a tablespoon of coconut oil in your cup of coffee can be a great way to add the beneficial fats the body needs. Coconut oil can be emulsified well into the coffee by mixing it in a blender.
Stay Away from Toxins
Many don't know this, but toxins lurk all around the house, even in products that are used to presumably clean the home and strip off bacteria or odor. Examples of these include detergents, pesticides, room deodorizing sprays, and even plastics. Such products are known to contain chemicals that can disturb hormonal balance. The Wellness Mama points out that avoiding these kind of toxins is essential for those with hormonal imbalance or are struggling to get pregnant. It is also important to stay away from storing or heating foods in plastic containers, cook in non-coated metal pans and avoid Teflon or non-stick ones, and use natural cleaners instead of store-bough, chemical-loaded ones. Using organic meat and vegetables is also key, what with the dangerous hormones injected in conventionally-grown and raised vegetables and poultry.
