Do you still get acne? If you are experiencing these changes in your body, there are high chances that the hormone levels in your body are off the chart.
Hormones, as you might know, are responsible for a great number of bodily functions. And if these hormones in your body are a little too extra or a little too less, then your body might experience a number of problems that can lead to serious complications.
The good news is that you can get your hormone levels under control by adding certain foods to your diet. However, you need to learn the major reasons behind the hormone imbalances before you can treat it with dietary changes.
7 Major reasons behind hormone imbalance
If you are experiencing a sudden surge in your hormone levels, you might be facing any of the situations given below:• Poor Diet:
If your diet includes too much sugar, it can have a negative effect on your hormones. Also, if you constantly gorge on pre-packaged or fried foods, it can affect your reproductive hormones and cause reproductive dysfunction and ovarian cysts.• Higher stress levels:
Leading a stressful life can have an influence on your hormone levels. There is one type of hormone that is released as a part of the "fight or flight" response of your body when you are stressed. So, when your stress levels are high, your body starts releasing the hormones in extra amount, which often leads to a hormonal imbalance.• Consumption of birth control pills:
Birth control pills are basically a combination of two hormones – estrogen and progestin. When you consume such pills, the hormones in those pills can influence the secretion of hypothalamic, ovarian, and other significant hormones, which can affect other bodily functions.• Diabetes:
Diabetes can have a significant influence over your estrogen and testosterone levels. Researchers have found links between diabetes and hormonal imbalance. Generally, the hormone that gets affected by diabetes and other blood sugar levels is estradiol, a variety of estrogen.• Thyroid issues:
The thyroid hormones are responsible for the regulation of metabolism and other essential functions of the body. If the thyroid gland is producing wrong amount of hormones, it can not only cause hormonal imbalance, but also increase the risks of infertility and metabolic syndrome.• Deficiency of iodine:
Iodine plays a significant role in the production of thyroid hormones. When your body does not receive the required amount of iodine, it can cause hormonal imbalance, leading to serious metabolic and cognitive problems.• Endocrine problems:
A hormone imbalance can happen due to certain types of tumors. Numerous studies have shown that neuroendocrine tumors release a variety of hormones. This is why the patients with neuroendocrine tumor generally have a hormone in an excess amount. However, you should not assume that you have a tumor just because you are experiencing hormone imbalance.List of hormone-balancing foods that you should add to your diet
There are a number of food items that can help you balance your hormone levels effectively. If you are vegetarian, you can try this vegan chocolate bars. Given below is a list of a few food items that you can easily find in your home:1. Avocado:
If you love to eat avocado, you are already a few steps closer to get your hormones balanced. This healthy fruit is rich in beta-sitosterol, which helps to regulate the blood cholesterol levels and the stress hormone, cortisol. In fact, the plant sterols that are found in avocado can help regulate estrogen and progesterone, both of which are responsible for regulating ovulation and menstrual cycles in women.2. Flaxseed:
Flaxseed is another food item that can help you balance the sex hormone levels in women. It is a rich source of lignans. Interestingly, lignans have both estrogenic and antiestrogenic effect. In fact, they are believed to have protective benefits against certain types of cancer among women.3. Broccoli:
As a child, most of us were told to eat our vegetables; sadly not all of us liked it. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli can help regulate estrogen among women. And since it is also rich in calcium, it can have positive effects on premenstrual syndrome. This green vegetable is filled with phytoestigenic compounds which boost the estrogen metabolism, allowing your body to get rid of the “bad” estrogen.4. Pomegranate:
Pomegranate, like most other fruits, is rich in antioxidants. It can help to block the excess amount of estrogen in the body. In fact, experts believe that a natural compound found in a pomegranate can inhibit the enzyme present in women's bodies that converts estrone into estradiol. Estradiol is one of the major estrogens that play a significant role in the development of hormone-dependent cancers.5. Beans:
Beans are good for your hormone levels as it offers a positive influence on the hormone response. The fiber and lignin present in beans has an effect on the fat cells, leading to improved appetite control. Beans can also help to regulate the estrogen levels in the body.6. Salmon:
Fishes like salmon and sardines which are filled with omega-3 fatty acids can improve cell-to-cell communication, including a developed hormonal communication. In fact, consumption of fatty fishes can also lead to improved mood and cognition.7. Eggs:
Researchers have found that having high-protein meals in the morning can reduce the levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin, and allow you to feel full for a longer time. In fact, if you crave for carbs, it might be because of the low amount of protein in your breakfast. So, try to include eggs in your breakfast.8. Leafy Greens:
It goes without saying that leafy greens are great for your health. And if you are experiencing hormone imbalance, this food can help to get that under control. Due to the high level of antioxidants, leafy greens can help to prevent inflammation, and reduce the stress levels. Students should consume leafy vegetables on a daily basis. It will help to keep the panic in check and allow you to write an assignment that helps your overall grades.9. Soy:
If you are on a vegan diet, soy products might be a regular item in your menu. Consuming soy can be great for your hormone levels as well. Soy has a positive effect on the estrogen levels and can be quite beneficial during menopause. In fact, this can help take care of symptoms such as hot flashes.10. Turmeric:
The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric have a number of medicinal benefits. One of those benefits includes fixing the hormonal imbalance in the body. Since chronic inflammation can trigger numerous hormones, turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties treat the inflammation and help reduce the risks of hormone imbalance.If you already have some of these foods in your diet plan, you are a few steps closer to getting your hormones balanced. However, it's always better to consult a doctor or a nutritionist before you try to make significant changes to your diet.
Author bio: Marceline Joseph is an online math solver, programmer and an academic writer associated with Tophomeworkhelper.com. Besides being associated with the education and teaching industry, Marceline is a passionate stamp collector and chess player.
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