Hormone Imbalance & Nutrition
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Hormone Imbalance
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Many people suffer hormonal imbalances in their body, but most often this condition affects women in their 30s and 40s, as this is a time when hormones are fluctuating greatly. Hormones play a very big role in how bodies operate, they play a role in metabolism, sex drive and emotions. Even a small imbalance can make you feel less like yourself. Recognizing a hormonal imbalance can lead to successful treatment, and you won't have to live with it as an issue.
Main Causes
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The main cause of hormone imbalance is environmental toxins. Everyday items in our home and workplace contain substances which are known hormonal disruptors. These substances can mimic our hormones and trick the body into thinking there are more or less hormones than necessary.
Another cause of hormone imbalance is diet. An improper diet can cause problems with the endocrine system (responsible for hormone regulation) and hormones can become imbalanced. Also, eating foods that are contaminated with the environmental toxins mentioned earlier leads to imbalances.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of a hormone imbalance include a heavy or irregular menstrual cycle, mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, confusion, depression, increased PMS symptoms, lowered sex drive, headaches, metabolic disorders, problems with memory, insomnia, bone loss or certain cancers.
Foods to Eat
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Good foods to eat for a hormone imbalance can depend on which hormone is imbalanced for you, but generally, a healthy, organic diet low in fat and carbohydrates, and high in omega-3 fatty acids will help alleviate the symptoms of a hormone imbalance. There are also many nutritional supplements that help with hormone imbalance. It can also be helpful to exercise moderately and use stress-relief techniques.
Foods to Avoid
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Foods that you should not eat with a hormone imbalance include refined carbohydrates, refined sugars, caffeine, alcohol and foods with herbicides or pesticides.
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