In order to obtain a healthy body, it is essential for hormones to be in balance. Hormones are an essential part of human body. They help the body to function smoothly. Hormone imbalance can affect a lot of processes ranging from blood sugar readings and can even cause cancer, heart disease and diabetes. A good balance of nutrients and supplements can correct hormone imbalances if there are any. Let us have a look at some of the steps that can help to keep hormone levels in check.
Regulating Cortisol levels
Cortisol is a hormone that is responsible for converting glycogen or stored sugar into glucose and feeding the same to the brain. It is a known fact that brain needs glucose to function effectively. But if people fail to eat at regular intervals or they eat very sweet foods, it creates blood sugar swings which in turn results in sudden increase and decrease in cortisol levels even after the blood sugar levels are dropped. To obtain optimum cortisol levels, you have to consume a healthy diet once in every three to four hours. A healthy diet also ensures good levels of phosphatidylserine, which is a molecule that is essential for maintaining healthy cellular function in the brain. These phosphatidylserine is also available in the form of capsules and is an adequate supplement for people who feel soaring levels of anxiety or restlessness at night due to fluctuations in cortisol levels.
Testosterone
If you thought that testosterone hormone is only for people who wish to build their body or be at the gym regularly, it is time you got your facts right. It is important to note that even women require testosterone hormone. It is necessary in women for weight control, energy and for a healthy sex drive. Abnormal levels of testosterone are often found in women suffering with PCOS which not a good sign. On the contrary, one can feel tired easily if there are low levels of testosterone in the body. A blood test can detect the levels of testosterone in the body. It is also found that spearmint tea is quite effective I lowering the testosterone levels.
Estrogen
If there are more than required levels of estrogen in the human body, it can lead to obesity, tiredness, anxiety, irritability, menstruation symptoms in women and emotional imbalances. Estrogen is found abundantly in farmed beef and other environmental chemicals. Consumption of organic food and limiting the intake of farmed beef and other meat can help in regulating estrogen levels. Some supplements such as indole, carbinol and calcium –D-glucarate are also helpful for obtaining adequate estrogen levels.
The Happy hormones –
There are hormones called endorphins and serotonin which are also called happy hormones in the body. The levels of these hormones are affected by the type of food a person consumes. In order to increase the amount of endorphins, one should consume spicy foods. Fluctuations in vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids affect the levels of serotonin in human body. According to the guidelines of the USDA, adults should consume around 8 ounces of sea food especially cold water fatty fish every week to obtain the recommended levels of vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids.
DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA is another hormone that is responsible for the production of female and male sex hormones, estrogen and androgen. Supplements of DHEA are available in the market and are helpful in obtaining youthful skin and keeping depression at bay especially after the age of 30 years. But this supplement should not be consumed in large amounts and it is not recommended for people with conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, hormone – sensitive conditions, PCOS and liver problems. In case of others, just 50 to 100 milligrams of this supplement is sufficient for optimum functioning.
