Lifestyle tips for hormonal balance

Hormones control many of our body’s primary activities. Hormones are responsible for mood, metabolism, growth and development, and even reproduction. A tiny change in our hormonal balance can drastically impact our bodies. 

Hormonal imbalance occurs when too little or too much of a particular hormone is produced. This can cause various health issues such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. Hormones regulate essential functions of our body, such as metabolism, blood sugar, blood pressure, mood, and growth. Hence an imbalance in the secretion of any hormone can disrupt any of these functions. Therefore it is imperative that we adopt a healthy lifestyle to maintain hormonal balance.

Tips for maintaining hormonal balance:

Commit to regular exercising Exercising influences hormone levels. Incorporating the right kind of exercise like strength training can impact almost all hormones positively. It also helps to boost growth hormones. Regular exercise can also reduce insulin levels.

Catch a good night’s sleep Good sleep helps in regulating the body’s hormonal level. Studies have found that poor sleep leads to increased stress and hunger hormones. A good night’s sleep is essential in maintaining hormone levels.

Indulge in self-care Stress has a strong influence on the levels of hormones. It harms the hormones in various ways. Chronic stress leads to an increase in cortisol, leading to obesity, cardiovascular diseases, etc. Thus, it is essential to indulge in self-care activities that help you de-stress like yoga, dancing, going on a walk, petting your dog, etc. 

Quit smoking Smoking leads to the disruption in the levels of various hormones. It alters thyroid hormone levels and raises the levels of steroid hormones- cortisol, which is linked to stress. Smoking is dangerous for the proper balance in hormones, and quitting smoking has added benefits to overall health.

Reduce sugar intake Lowering sugar intake is beneficial for hormonal health. Consuming food that contains high sugar might increase insulin levels. Thus eliminating or reducing sugary food becomes crucial to keep insulin levels in check.