Our hormones provide a major role in our health. Hormones are released by the endocrine system and go through the bloodstream. The hormones travel to organs and tissues deciding what they should do. Many basic bodily functions are controlled by hormones or the endocrine system. Some of those functions are metabolism, growth and development, heart rate, appetite, body temperature, and sleep cycles. However, what happens when our hormones go out of balance, impacting our health. Here are some ways to keep your hormones balanced:
– Have Protein at Every Meal –
Protein reduces levels of ghrelin or the hunger hormone. When this hormone is released, you feel fuller after each meal. As a result, you eat less.
– Exercise Regularly –
Regular exercise reduces levels of insulin, which can prevent diseases. Insulin picks up sugar and amino acids (building blocks of protein) to be used for energy and maintaining muscle. When there is too much insulin, this can lead to diabetes or heart disease. Daily movement, i.e., going for a walk would be helpful in regulating insulin.
– Use Less Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates –
Sugars and refined carbohydrates increase levels of insulin. Sugars like fructose are found in honey, maple syrup, and high fructose corn syrup can increase insulin levels. White carbohydrates promote insulin resistance, especially in overweight and obese people who are prediabetic or diabetic.
– Manage Your Stress –
Cortisol, or the stress hormone, increases when the body is under stress. Adrenaline, the fight or flight hormone, increases when the body feels immediate danger. However, when the body is under chronic stress, cortisol rates remain elevated increasing calorie intake. The increase in calories could result in weight gain and obesity.
High rates of adrenaline cause high blood pressure and anxiety but are short-lived compared to elevated rates of cortisol. Methods like yoga, deep breathing, and relaxing music can reduce levels of cortisol and adrenaline. Try one of these methods or something you find joyous, for 10-15 minutes daily to reduce stress.
– Get a Good Night’s Sleep Daily –
When you sleep poorly, rates of insulin, cortisol, ghrelin, leptin, and growth hormones get off-balanced. Studies show that when people have less sleep, their hunger increases by eating more carbohydrates and high-calorie foods. Healthy uninterrupted sleep activates the growth hormone, which is mainly released during sleep.
These tips can help you keep your hormones balanced providing optimal quality of life. However, there are times when we need help in our lives. It’s important that we get help from a hormone balancing expert that can help you improve your quality of life.
There are professionals like Dominique Fradin Read, who specializes in preventive medicine. Doctors use an integrative approach including medical and wellness techniques. The techniques include diagnostics and alternative methods to achieve optimal health and happiness. Locate your hormone balancing expert today to achieve wellness and balance to improve your quality of life.
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