There are many influencing factors when it comes to health. You need to consider a well-balanced diet, substantial nutrition, exercise and fitness, mental well-being, emotional health, and more! While there are many reliable resources to help you along the way – such as researchandyou.com  which offers insight into the many supplements available on the market – there are certain aspects of health that are a little more sensitive, and at times confusing, to maintain.

The body’s hormonal balance is one of them.

All About the Hormones

Hormones are chemicals in the human body that act as tiny yet powerful messengers; transporting important information and instructions to organs and tissues, ensuring effective bodily functioning. These superb substances influence everything from reproduction to metabolism, growth and development to mood. Controlled by the endocrine system, hormones are secreted by the following important glands:

  • Pituitary
  • Thyroid
  • Parathyroid
  • Adrenal
  • Pineal
  • Reproductive (Ovaries and Testes)
  • Pancreas

From growth hormones to endorphins, adrenalin to melatonin, insulin to cortisol; these hormones are the Wi-Fi to your body’s social media, encouraging effective communication and bodily functioning by sending very important bio messages. By ensuring these glands are well nourished and supported, you achieve optimal and holistic health through the balanced secretion of hormones.

Be Aware of The Imbalances

A hormonal imbalance is the result of too little or too much of a particular hormone in the bloodstream; because of the important role these chemicals play, even the slightest change can have a larger impact. To ensure you are optimizing your health, you need to make sure your hormones are balanced and effectively operating. This can be difficult at times, because despite the natural changes in hormone levels as the body ages, hormones can be influenced by a range of things, such as:

  • Too much sugar in your diet.
  • Not enough iodine, affecting thyroid functioning.
  • BPA plastic pollutants in your food and drink, which mimic estrogen.
  • GMO foods that have been sprayed with pesticides like toxic Roundup.
  • Too much stress and coffee, which boosts cortisol secretion.
  • Non-organic dairy and meat which often contain growth hormones.
  • Using electronics at night and lack of sleep, which suppresses melatonin.
  • Overtraining, which can suppress testosterone.
  • Some types of makeup containing Xenoestrogens.

The consumption and exposure to these hormone influencers could lead to many more serious conditions; such as hypothyroidism, depression, infertility, and cancer to name a few.

Watch Out for The Signs

Don’t get all stressed out now. While these outcomes of hormonal imbalance are concerning, your body will use those exact hormones to send you messages that things are not right. Listen to your body and keep an eye out for the following signs:

  • Unexplained changes in weight and appetite.
  • Difficulty sleeping and long-term fatigue.
  • Increased temperature sensitivity, thirst, and blurred vision.
  • Changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar.
  • Experiencing very dry skin, rashes, thinning hair, and bloating.
  • Headaches, irritability, anxiety, and depression.

Healthy Hormonal Support

Despite what the majority of the internet tends to believe, hormonal imbalances are experienced by all genders, so we all should be taking proactive steps to ensure we support effective chemical communication within our bodies. Here are a few lifestyle changes to add to your daily routine to ensure healthy hormones:

  • 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day.
  • A healthy and well-balanced diet of at least 3 meals per day; reducing processed and GMO foods, fats, and sugars as much as possible.
  • Including hormone balancing supplements such as maca powder and magnesium.
  • Maintaining good hygiene, using plenty of natural oils.
  • Reducing and managing stress through activities like meditation, yoga, and visualization.
  • Using glass to store food and drink.
  • Wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly to rid them of excess pesticides.
  • Restrict the use of chemicals in the home, such as bleach.
  • Improve gut health, taking part in cleanses and using probiotics.

Now that you understand what hormones are, how they are affected, and how to prevent imbalances with simple lifestyle changes – you can harness the power of your hormones to ensure you are happy and healthy. Health is a delicate balance and by taking your hormones into consideration; you will be able to ensure effective internal communication and thus holistic, sustainable, and stable vitality.