What Are Hormones?

Hormones are chemical messages within the body that play many roles in how the body functions. Hormones control:

• Reproduction:
• Digestion,
• Metabolism,
• Emotions,
• Hunger and satiety.

What Happens When Our Hormones Are Out Of Balance?
When our hormones are out of balance, all or any of these areas may not work as efficiently. Hormone imbalance can make us:

• Anxious,
• Emotional,
• Hungry with cravings,
• Bloated,
• Low on energy,
• Moody,
• Unable to concentrate,
• Experience headaches or muscle/joint aches.

It can also cause:

• Weight gain,
• Digestive issues,
• Fertility issues,
• Peri-menopause/menopause symptoms,
• Skin issues,
• Under-nutrition and other imbalances depending on your sex and stage of life.

The good news is nutrition and lifestyle can play a huge role in hormone balance. We don’t have to accept all these symptoms as being a normal part of life. We can take an active role in bringing back balance to our hormones so that we feel well and energetic, rather than tired and unmotivated. Depending on the stage of life, hormones can influence our bodies in different ways. With these life stages, hormone imbalance may cause different symptoms.

Stages of puberty, fertility/reproductive years and menopause can cause hormone fluctuations but we can utilize nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress control, to maintain a healthy hormone balance. Men may not feel these stages the same as women but they can also have symptoms that can affect their overall well being.

How Can I Work On Balancing My Hormones?

1. Stress Management:
   Stress can make many systems in our body work harder and over time, these systems become fatigued and lead to hormone imbalances. Eat a diet that includes a variety of vegetables and fruit, along with moderate amounts of protein and fat. These foods in adequate amounts will help your body handle daily stress. Additionally, look at your lifestyle and what is causing you stress and try to find ways to decrease stress. Make a constant effort to give your body and brain a break from stress. For some stress release might be taking a hike, others maybe it is getting lost in a good book or for others going for a scenic drive. Minimizing stress can play a huge role in overall well-being and management of hormonal symptoms.
2. Blood Sugar Balance:
   Pay attention to blood sugar levels. Overindulging in sweets, skipping meals, not eating a balanced diet, working out too hard or poor stress management can all raise blood sugar levels. High blood sugar causes many hormones to work harder, once again adding to hormone imbalance. Eating a whole food diet with three meals a day with adequate protein and healthy fats can play a huge role in blood sugar balance.
3. Look at ways to detox excess hormones out of your body:
   Processed foods and environmental toxins can expose us to hormones that our body does not need and that will do much more harm than good. Focusing on foods and nutrients that can help the body daily detox may be what your body needs to eliminate symptoms that you are experiencing. A great way to start the day is with warm water and lemon. This will give your body a head start on detoxification as you begin your daily routine. Taking small steps, eliminating a few things or adding something new to your diet or routine can lead to big changes in the way you feel physically and mentally.

For more information on how nutrition can support you, give our office a call at 519.751.0728 or email pathwaystohopebrant@gmail.com and set up a consultation with Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Tammy Prince.