Feeling like a hot mess lately?  We get it.  It’s almost impossible not to feel stressed right now.  That’s why we thought it would be a good time to talk about how to naturally balance hormones.  Hormones are responsible for many different processes in the body.  Keeping them in balance will help from erratic mood swings, fatigue, headaches, acne, and more.  We’ll take a brief look at what hormones are responsible for and how you can support production and function of hormones naturally!

Hormones

The human body secretes and circulates about 50 different hormones.  Hormones are secreted by various glands and organs (the endocrine system), such as the thyroid, adrenals, pituitary, liver, kidneys, ovaries, testicles and pancreas.  Some of the more known hormones are estrogen, testosterone, adrenaline and insulin.  They all serve as chemical messengers that are responsible for many aspects of the overall health of the body.  Hormones regulate metabolism, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, mood, growth and development, as well as other things.

Triggers like lifestyle, stress, diet, poor sleep, toxins, and the environment can all affect the intricate balance of the hormones in the body.  That is why it is important to support your endocrine system and hormonal balance daily because most of these triggers are unavoidable.  How do you do this?

Balancing Hormones Naturally 

There are two simple KEY COMPONENTS in ensuring proper hormone secretion and management.  The first one is making sure you have enough MINERALS in your system.  Minerals are the foundation for good health because they are needed to make enzymes and hormones.  Enzymes and hormones are required for chemical processes and reactions in the cells in order to perform many different tasks/actions/roles.   Without certain and sufficient minerals in the body, the process can get hindered or blocked.  Making sure you are eating a healthy diet filled with WHOLE FOODS (not processed) will help make sure you are constantly supplying the body with important minerals.  You can also try supplementing with specific minerals for helping hormone health.  More on this below.  There is one other crucial component for ensuring proper hormone health in the body.

The second KEY COMPONENT is LIVER HEALTH!  The liver is responsible for transforming or removing any excess hormones from the body.  If the liver cannot do this properly, there is the risk of emotional or hormonal imbalances.  Our poor liver takes the brunt of toxins we consume or interact with daily!  This is why it is important to do ONE THING a day to help support your liver.  If you have a poor immune system, bad digestion, or suspected hormone imbalances, then try focusing on cleansing the liver.   Read below on simple things to do to support the liver.

Minerals for Hormone Balancing

Magnesium is by far one of the most necessary minerals that are needed for hormone health.  It is responsible for over 300 chemical reactions in the body.  We use an abundant amount of Magnesium everyday.  That is why it is important to make sure you’re on top of your magnesium intake.  Magnesium is needed to process sugar, so if you are eating a lot of sugar– you’ll need more magnesium.  Also phosphoric acid (included in many carbonated beverages) pulls Magnesium from the body.  Caffeine can also excrete crucial minerals like magnesium out of the body.

Having a craving of chocolate during or right before your menses?  That could be due to your body needing magnesium– not sugar.  High quality dark chocolate contains magnesium!  Leafy greens and sunflower seeds are another good source of magnesium (organic is best– pesticides and herbicides can contribute to less or a lack of minerals in food).

Magnesium Glycinate is a highly absorbable Magnesium supplement   Taking Magnesium daily or right before your menses can help lessen cramping or uncomfortable periods.  Magnesium is equally as important for testosterone production for males.  Taking a bath in Magnesium flakes is another safe way to supplement with Magnesium.

Selenium and Iodine are very important trace minerals for hormone and thyroid health.  Eating some brazil nuts or seaweed daily or every other day is a safe way of receiving these crucial nutrients.  You can supplement with them as well, just do your research and start with lower doses when starting off.

You can also take a multi-mineral supplement like Mezotrace or Fulvic Minerals to help supply your body with a spectrum of minerals for hormone support.

Liver Health for Hormones

Milk Thistle is a very common herb that helps cleanse and support the liver.  It can be taken every day or as needed.  Dandelion is another safe and effective herb for the liver.  Turmeric is excellent for liver health as well as for inflammation and MORE.  Any or all of these herbs will help boost liver health.  Check here for liver cleansing support.

Other Remedies for Natural Hormone Support

Eating an adequate amount of protein and healthy fats are also important for proper hormone function.  If you find your self feeling hungry a lot, that could be due to an excess amount of the hormone ghrelin.  Eating protein can help minimize the over load of this hunger hormone.  Resist Carbohydrates or sugar and try eating a handful of nuts or drink a protein shake to calm this hormone down.

Adding more healthy fats to your diet like avocados, nuts, or fish are a great method of supporting hormone health!  They are also used in hormone function and production! You can also add some healthy fat to your daily regimen by supplementing with an OMEGA fatty acid!

The topic of hormones in general can be lengthy and complex.  We just touched upon the surface.  These are just a few tips to work with your body naturally to support proper hormone function and production.  There are hormone specific supplements as well.  It is best to start with the basics to help address the root cause of hormone imbalance.  Gut health, of course, plays a HUGE role in hormone health as well.  If you can not digest or absorb nutrients properly, the body will not be able to make or process hormones sufficiently.

If you want to hear about specific hormone supplements or if you have questions regarding hormone health, shoot us an email.  We’re here for you!

As always, do what you feel is best for YOUR body — if you aren’t sure, ask your doctor.  We are health ENTHUSIASTS not licensed practitioners.