Hormones,by virtue of their nature, are messengers. These are termed as ‘chemicalmessengers’ that are imperative for proper functioning of human bodyirrespective of the gender or age.
Hormones not only have an effect on the physical outlook of a body but also the emotional and the mental health. They have an effect on our eating habits, our sleeping patterns, the mood modalities, the stress-balancing, the breathing aspect etc. All of these are, in one way or another, imperative for smooth body functions.
Under normal circumstances, a specific and definitive amount of a hormone is produced, depending entirely on the need. There is an exact amount of hormone produced, not more or less. The balancing of hormone concentration is necessary for proper body functions.
The imbalance, if it occurs, can have detrimental effects. Unexpected weight gain, mood swings, bloating, stomach cramps, hunger pangs, depressive phases etc all point to an imbalance of hormones in your body.
The working of hormones is a convoluted and complex methodology and is quite extraordinary in totality. The hormones work by communicating with one another to perform specialized and specific functions. There is a pre-defined pattern they follow.
A body with hormonal imbalance can be made to work properly by controlling, modifying and returning the body back to its original state of balance and normalcy. The hormonal balance can be reversed and managed by:
- High Fiber Diet:
Hormonal imbalance is usually kick-started by the lack of fiber in the diet. Fiber not only helps to digest food but also helps in keeping the hormone level in check by boosting the body mechanism of removing toxins and waste from the digestive tract.
The processed foods usually have no significant quantity of fiber and other essential vitamins and minerals. Therefore, they are of no help to the normal functioning of the body. In fact, many processed foods have additives, added to enhance their shelf life. The additives act as toxins that affect the efficacy of a hormone by inhibiting its normal rate of production.
Contrary to this, fruits and vegetables have been shown to have a high level of soluble fiber in them. Soluble fiber enhances the hormonal balance, especially the level of insulin concentration. So, it has a direct effect on food consumption and weight gain or loss predicament. Thus, adding vegetables and fruits in the diet is a great way to handle hormonal imbalances.
- Exercise:
Exercise is important for maintaining a balanced hormone level in your body. It has multiple benefits. It influences the insulin level and allows the maintenance of the integrity of your body by providing energy and maintaining muscle tone and mass. Being physically active also enhances the hormone levels related to growth. By maintaining the insulin level, exercising aids in the control of blood sugar level.
Exercising also aids in the de-stressing of the body. Gentle exercise especially yoga has been proven to de-stress a body. Stress is a major indicator and influencer of hormonal imbalance, thus if controlled in time, it can control the imbalance itself. So, exercise and physical activities have the power to control hormonal imbalance of the body naturally.
- Fatty Fish and Lean Fat:
Fatty fish is a source of omega-3 protein, an imperative component of hormones. Fatty fish is seen to have a direct effect on the hormone involved in stress management as well as on the adrenaline level of the body. The intake of fatty fish is also associated with low chances of obesity, polycystic ovaries, and diabetes–all of which are caused mainly by hormonal imbalance.
In a similar way, the clean and lean cuts of fat are also a precursor to regulated hormone production. Having them in your diet would ensure the normal release of hormones. Lean fats also have omega-3 in them. The fats are important for day to day hormone functions. Fats also assist in balancing the hormones that are involved in maintaining blood sugar level and appetite.
- Stress Management and Body Massage:
Stress is one of the major triggering points that leads to a hormonal imbalance in life. Unfortunately, stress can’t be controlled by changing, modifying or adapting the eating habits, it is a mental challenge!
Chronic stress can lead to disastrous effects on a human being including panic attacks, anxiety issues, anger issues, obesity, and many other ailments. Stress management is pivotal for hormonal balance. Several remedies have been introduced to counter stress including meditation, yoga, listening to music, painting, and body massages. All these techniques are extensively used to counter stress in day to day life.
The body massages have been proven to have a very positive effect on stress management and, indirectly, on hormone imbalances. The most effective and in-demand technique is the use of massage chairs that relax stressed out muscles and reduce body aches. The massage chairs can help in the alleviation of health issues and back pain. They also release a group of hormones called endorphins, which relieve stress by inculcating a sense of well being and fulfillment. Click here to learn more about massage chairs.
- Refined Carbs and Maintenance of Blood Sugar Level:
Blood sugar level is controlled by the hormone ‘insulin’, which, arguably, is the most imbalanced hormone!! Sugar in any form whatsoever is hazardous, and maintaining this sugar level is crucial for hormonal balance. Processed sugar needs to be eliminated from the diet to be replaced by natural sugar or sweeteners. Also, the combination of highly starchy food loaded with carbs needs to be taken with a healthy fat or protein item to slow down the process of glucose release. At the same time, the ingestion of fizzy and sugary drinks needs to be eliminated from the diet completely to bring a hormonal balance.
Kids are especially vulnerable to many diseases like diabetes, obesity etc because of improper dietary habits and, therefore, imbalanced hormonal control in the body. Elimination of processed carbs from the diet can lead to significant hormonal control within the body.
About the Author:
Sarais a psychologist by profession, and she loves massage therapies. She enjoyshome-based work and travelling. She is obsessed with massage chair therapiesand other relaxing techniques. She regularly writes blogs at Mymassagechairs.