Hormones & Health: Natural Ways to Balance Your Hormones

Hormones have profound effects on your mental, physical, and emotional health. Hormonal imbalances occur when too much or too little of a hormone exists in your bloodstream. Even small hormonal imbalances can create side effects that resonate throughout your body.

Fortunately, a nutritious diet and other healthy lifestyle behaviors may help improve your hormonal health and allow you to feel and perform your best. Below are some natural ways to help balance your hormones.

Diets high in sugar and refined carbs have been shown to drive insulin resistance. Avoiding these foods and reducing overall carb intake may decrease insulin levels and increase insulin sensitivity.

Including healthy natural fats in your diet and avoiding unhealthy trans fats can help reduce insulin resistance and stimulate the production of hormones that help control appetite.

Inadequate or poor-quality sleep has been shown to decrease fullness hormones, increase hunger and stress hormones, reduce growth hormones, and increase insulin resistance.

Chronic stress is all-around bad news for hormonal balance, creating or exacerbating hormonal imbalances. Try doing yoga, going on walks, or meditating for 10 minutes each day to help reduce your stress.

Eating protein with every meal can help you feel satisfied and decrease levels of the “hunger hormone” ghrelin.

A low-fiber diet can contribute to hormone imbalances. Fiber matters because we need it to keep our gut healthy by sweeping away toxins and debris from the digestive tract.

Green tea has been linked to increased insulin sensitivity and lower insulin levels for people who are overweight, obese, or have diabetes.

By following healthy lifestyle practices, you may be able to naturally improve your hormonal health, help balance hormones and enjoy the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of a healthy endocrine system.