DISCOVER

Balancing Your Hormones Naturally

By Michele Robert Poche

Hormonal imbalance. We’ve all heard the term, but do we really know how hormones contribute to our daily wellness? Hormones regulate almost every function of the body. Therefore, when there is an imbalance in this delicate network, it brings this myriad of unappealing symptoms: • acne/dryness • digestive issues • sleep disorders • headaches • hot flashes/night sweats • infection • infertility • hair loss • memory fog • menstrual irregularities • mood swings • weight gain Can you claim some of these complications?

Here’s how to keep your hormones balanced naturally:

1. Eat your greens and beans. According to award-winning author, physician and herbalist Aviva Romm, MD, the high fiber content of dark leafy greens and vegetables, helps the body eliminate excessive hormones from the intestine, particularly estrogen. When there is a deficiency, beans and legumes support the production of hormones.

2. Don’t overtrim the fat. Make sure you include healthy fats in your diet such as fish oil, olive oil, avocados and coconut oil. Dr. Romm advises that “adequate protein and fat at each meal will keep your blood sugar at a nice neutral hum – exactly where you want it to be to avoid the ups and downs of PMS and the roller coaster ride of imbalanced blood sugar”.

3. Avoid caffeine. Replace those daily cup(s) of coffee with herbal tea. Not only will you eliminate caffeine, you will also receive beneficial nutrients from the herbs. Raspberry leaf, known for its hormonal balancing properties, can be used in place of black tea to make a chai blend.

4. Go to sleep! It’s the most overlooked task of the day. If you’re not getting at least 8 hours a night, your hormone imbalance multiplies exponentially. Sleep is needed in order to restore, repair and rejuvenate your body. Cheating on sleep may result in long-term health issues. So brew some chamomile tea and make a regular date with your pillow.

5. Supplement judiciously. In your quest for internal balance, there are many vitamins and herbs available to assist you. Here are just a few to get you started: • Ashwagandha • Black Cohosh • Calcium • Chasteberry • Dong Quai • Fish Oil • Ginseng • Magnesium • Melatonin • Vitamin B, C, D & E 

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