Hormones can be annoying right? I know. For women especially. You are happy one moment and crying the next. Cranky today and completely adorable tomorrow? Yeah. That’s the story of almost every woman’s life. A high-stress lifestyle coupled with improper eating habits can wreak havoc on a woman’s delicate hormonal balance.
Even healthy women who follow a good diet may find glitches in their hormones. (Like, seriously rolling my eyes right now). Anyways, this hormone imbalance business could wreck your system for real. From PMS, osteoporosis, weight gain, altered sex drive, allergies, uterine fibroids, urinary tract infections to changes in the skin, fatigue, anxiety, water retention, hair loss, facial hair growth and even depression.
By keeping hormones in balance, women can find it easier to maintain a healthy weight, keep a regular menstrual cycle, as well as exude optimal energy levels. (I mean your life would be a lot better).
So here are 7 ways you could put a scale on it!
Maintain a Healthy Diet
We say this a whole lot! But, it’s the truth. A healthy diet could be the answer to the world’s problems. (even preventing World War 3!)
So, incorporate more fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, plus an abundance of raw nuts and seeds into your diet. Foods such as processed carbohydrates, fried foods, soft drinks, enriched flour, processed vegetable oil and soy products may alter hormone balance. Avoid non-organic dairy products which may contain harmful bovine growth hormones, steroids and antibiotics. These wreak havoc on a woman’s system. (Trust me, this is serious!)
Keep Stress Levels Low
Are you a boss lady, complete wife inspiration and super mom? Things could get a little tiring when you combine all of these at once. (Don’t get me started on the emotional weight of washing dishes). Studies have shown however, that women who participate in a daily meditation or yoga experience less hormonal swings than those who do not mediate stress in some fashion. Rest is also important. Many women have such hectic lifestyles that they give their body little time to re-adjust from life’s demands. This disrupts the natural hormones cycles in women. Find small ways to incorporate rest and relax throughout the day. (It’s hard but try. Take a vacation, take the day off, sleep an extra 2 hours but try not to lose your job)
Let the Sunshine In
I know we are African women and don’t believe in all this sunshine talk. (I mean, it ruins the job your cream is doing) But in truth, giving your body a healthy helping of full spectrum sunlight can help stabilize hormones. Vitamin D is really important. Get out and take a walk around your neighbourhood a couple of times a week. This will help get you the exercise you need, as well as the sunshine your body craves (and maybe a husband)
Take Herbal Supplements Known to Balance Hormones
Erm, this is tricky. Not every supplement is good for you and as we always say, everything in moderation. I use Evening Primrose Oil and I can say that it works wonders for ME (this is capitalized to tell you to find what works for you). Evening primrose oil is very high in essential fatty acids and is particularly indicated for hormonal imbalance related to PMS symptoms. Some other options could be dandelion, motherwort, wild yam, or blessed thistle. Hemp tree has also been known to promote normal hormonal balance, improve mood, and reduce cramping. Chaste Tree Berry has been shown to balance the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. (Big names huh? Just tell your healthy life coach, pharmacist or doctor to prescribe a hormonal balance supplement suitable for you.
Exercise Frequently
Don’t roll your eyes. I don’t mean spend 5 hours in a highly equipped gym and sweat your hormones away. (except if you want six packs). Exercise is important in getting your hormones off a roller coaster. Simply add at least 30 minutes of exercise, three times a week, into your routine. Form a routine that you can stick to on a consistent basis.
Eat More Omega-3 Fatty Acids
These fats act to create responsive and healthy cell membranes, allowing hormones to adhere to the cell more easily. Omega-3 fatty acids also aid the body in keeping the cellular receptor sites (where hormones bind) repaired and in optimal condition. Consider eating more foods with omega-3’s or taking 500 mg of a high quality organic oil, such as hempseed, flaxseed or olive oil. (You can find these at our café at affordable prices).
Avoid Caffeine
All my coffee lovers, this is for you. Most times, you can’t get out of the house or function properly with a cup of coffee or a bottle of Coca-Cola. (Yes, coke has caffeine too) It’s been shown that stimulants, such as caffeine, cause the adrenal gland to over-produce hormones. Try to cut-down or cut-out your caffeine intake. (if you can).
Can keep to this? Then you are good. Can’t? Then contact us on 09052273768 for more tips on how to get your hormones to cooperate! And, we could help you get a personal trainer (so you don’t have to go to a gym) or join in our fitness programs! Also, don’t forget that we are healthy eating champions and you can be one too! Call us now!
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