What are hormones? Hormones are chemicals that control many
processes in the body. Getting and keeping them balanced is vital not just to
be healthy and function optimally, but also for your skin. A typical hormonal
imbalance is literally having too much of one and not enough of another. Like
everything else in our body, hormones rely on the food that we eat. There are
key milestones in our lives when we will experience hormonal fluctuations, such
as puberty, PMS, pregnancy and menopause. Even through these times diet and
lifestyle play a huge role in balancing these hormones thus allowing for
clearer healthier skin.
How do hormones affect our skin? The skin can reflect hormonal imbalance in
many ways. Acne flare-ups can be related to hormone imbalances. Post-menopausal
dry skin can be caused by imbalances, as can eczema, pigmentation, rosacea and premature aging (wrinkles).
Other symptoms such as hair growth, mood swings, bloating, depression, breast
tenderness and irritability can be attributed to hormonal imbalance.
Tearfulness, lack of energy, hair loss, sugar cravings, insomnia, vaginal
dryness and weight gain may also factor.
How to improve hormone balance: balancing sugar levels in the blood is crucial.
An adequate intake of essential fatty acids (omega 3&6) is imperative, as
is increasing phytoestrogens (lentils, beans etc…).
Diet tips to balance hormones
Eat nuts and seeds
(omega 3 & 6)
Eat organic meat &
eggs
Eat as much organic
fruit & vegetables as possible
Eat oily fish twice a
week, salmon, trout, and kippers etc…, tuna – 1-2 times a month
Balance sugar levels
Increase intake of
phytoestrogens
Reduce intake of
animal fats, red meat, milk and dairy
Avoid stimulants –
coffee, tea, smoking and alcohol
Eat a balanced diet
and eat regularly
Avoid sugary snacks
Avoid refined foods
Lifestyle tips to balance hormones
Regular exercise is
essential (15 minutes each day)
Reduce stress
Filter drinking water
Minimise exposure to
soft plastics, known to disrupt hormones
Consult a nutritional
therapist
Top hormone balancing nutrients
Vitamin B6
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's)
Magnesium
Chromium
B complex
I just found your blog now Rose and I am going through the process of having to balance my (very) out of control hormones right now! This is just what my naturopath told me on Thursday!
ReplyDeleteHi Topcat, I'm pretty new to blogging. Diet is so important when trying to balance hormones. It takes time, but is so worth it. Hope you get sorted soon. :)
ReplyDelete