Hormone imbalance is often considered a complicated problem to tackle. Since hormones play an essential role in our health and happiness, a slight imbalance can cause dramatic effects on our weight, appearance, mood, fertility, energy and anxiety levels. 

 

However, like other health problems, hormone imbalance can be reversed with simple healthy lifestyle changes. Syeda Kiran Zahra Hussain, Certified Holistic Nutrition Therapist, US, helps us understand the symptoms of hormonal imbalance and ways to cure the imbalance.

 

Hormonal Imbalance: Symptoms and causes of hormone imbalance:

 

Symptoms of hormone imbalance are experienced during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and post-partum, premenopausal and menopause. That makes up a sizeable portion of a woman's life.

 

The common hormone imbalance symptoms include:

 

Premenstrual syndrome

 

Acne or skin breakouts

 

Urinary tract infections

 

Temperature changes

 

Anxiety and irritability

 

Headache/migraines

 

Cravings for sweets

 

Excess hair growth

 

Hormonal Imbalance: Other symptoms include

 

Allergy symptoms

 

Problem sleeping

 

Irregular periods

 

Feeling fatigued

 

Water retention

 

Oily or dry skin

 

Endometriosis

 

Mood swings

 

Weight gain

 

Depression

 

Although hormones are tiny little things, they can cause havoc with our bodies, when they are out of balance.

 

Hormonal Imbalance: Common hormone imbalance causes include:

 

Causes of Hormone Imbalance # 1: Lack of good nutrition

 

Good nutrition provides our bodies with all the vital tools needed to balance hormones naturally.

 

Causes of Hormone Imbalance # 2: Adrenal exhaustion and stress

 

Your adrenal glands (which produce stress-fighting hormones) gets exhausted under constant stress and are unable to carry out their jobs.

 

Causes of Hormone Imbalance # 3: HRT and birth control pills

 

Women on HRT ( hormone replacement therapy) or "the pill" tend to have imbalanced hormones, even after they stop the treatment or stop taking the pill.

 

Causes of Hormone Imbalance # 4: Insulin or glandular imbalance

 

Your endocrine glands are responsible for hormone production and are negatively affected by a wide range of conditions, such as stress, yo-yo dieting, illnesses or drugs.

 

Causes of Hormone Imbalance # 5: Drugs, stimulants and chemicals

 

Medications and stimulants such as caffeine, toxins and hormones from pesticides in our food, air and water can mimic estrogen and interfere with our natural hormone balance.

 

Causes of Hormone Imbalance # 6: Pregnancy and Post-partum

 

Pregnancy is a roller coaster ride as far as hormones are concerned. If you are in bad health before, during and after childbirth, your hormonal imbalance will let you know-in no uncertain terms.

 

Hormonal Imbalance: How to Balance Hormones Naturally

 

These foods helps you balance your hormones naturally:

 

Foods to Balance Hormones # 1: Essential fatty acids 

 

Eat foods, which are rich in essential fatty acids. Foods like nuts, whole grains, olive oil and omega-3 fish, are very high in essential fatty acids. So, add these foods to your diet.

 

Hormonal Imbalance: How to Balance Hormones Naturally

 

These foods helps you balance your hormones naturally:

 

Foods to Balance Hormones # 1: Essential fatty acids 

 

Eat foods, which are rich in essential fatty acids. Foods like nuts, whole grains, olive oil and omega-3 fish, are very high in essential fatty acids. So, add these foods to your diet.

 

Foods to Balance Hormones # 2: Fruits high in flavonoids

 

Consuming foods rich in flavonoids, helps to balance hormones. Include foods like citrus fruits, red grapes and berries, to get your dose of flavonoids.

 

Foods to Balance Hormones # 2: Fruits high in flavonoids

 

Consuming foods rich in flavonoids, helps to balance hormones. Include foods like citrus fruits, red grapes and berries, to get your dose of flavonoids.

 

Foods to Balance Hormones # 3: Plant sources

 

Plant sources like lentils, peas and soybeans are good sources of estrogen and they help create a hormonal balance in the body.

 

Foods to Balance Hormones # 4: Green leafy vegetables

 

Nutritious green leafy vegetables like swiss chard, spinach and kale are also good for maintaining hormonal balance in the body.

 

Foods to Balance Hormones # 5: Cruciferous vegetables 

 

If you don't like leafy vegetables then add cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli to your diet.

 

Foods to Balance Hormones # 6: Foods rich in fibre 

 

Consuming foods rich in fibre is very good for health, as it helps to create hormonal balance and boosts good health. To get a sufficient dose of fibre, add loads of fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your diet.

 

Foods to Balance Hormones # 7: Supplements

 

Include nutritional health supplements, especially vitamin Bcomplex.

 

Foods to Balance Hormones # 8: Omega 3

 

Omega-3 fish oils, have lots of health benefits, ranging from bringing a glow to your face to maintaining the hormonal balance in your body. To get adequate amounts of omega-3, try eating foods like tuna and salmon or taking fish oil supplements.

 

Foods to Balance Hormones # 9: Organic food

 

Go organic, whenever you can, organic food products have zero amount of chemicals or pollutants in them. So, they are completely safe for you to consume.

 

Hormonal Imbalance: Foods to avoid

 

Avoid these foods to cure hormone imbalance naturally:

 

Alcoholic beverages and high glycemic foods (sweetened food).

 

Refined carbohydrates (white pasta, white rice and white flour).

 

Caffeine (caffeinated colas, coffee and other "energy" drinks).

 

Animal fats store bad hormones (full-fat dairy and red meat).

 

Hormonal Imbalance: Healthy lifestyle tips

 

Sleep well Make sure you get a good night's sleep every night and enough of rest.

 

Manage stress: Stress is your body's worst enemy. So, manage your stress levels, by taking up yoga, deep breathing or meditation.

 

Stay active - Include regular physical activity and exercise on a daily basis.

 

Sourse : Times of India