Thursday 9 February 2012

Hormones and the Skin


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

Zinc


Published by:

Rose

www.libanireland.com

2 comments:

  1. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi 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