Hormones control our body functions and play a vital role in controlling emotion, appetite, growth, energy levels and metabolism. Some hormones directly influence fat deposit and degradation.

Hormonal imbalance occurs when the body fails to produce enough or over-produces hormones. When that happens, no amount of diet and exercise will result in weight loss. It is, therefore, important to balance the hormones first in a weight loss program. The key hormones involved are:

Estrogen – the female hormone that is important for female reproductive system.

Testosterone – the male hormone that contributes to our personality, such as assertiveness and motivation. It turns fat into muscle and works with estrogen to keep the skin supple.

Progesterone – calms the body, helps the body to burn fat, and is necessary for the building of bones and also prevents arterial plaque. Low progesterone levels will lead to weight gain, bloating and discomfort in the digestive system.

What Causes Hormonal Imbalance?

• Metabolic disorder – metabolic rate is faster or slower

• Inadequate nutrition – lack of nutrients to support the production of hormones

• Stress – environment or social factors that disturb normal hormonal production

• Birth control pills – disturb normal hormone production

• Aging – the production of hormones reduces as we age

What Are The Symptoms Of Hormonal Imbalance?

• Irregular menstrual cycle

• Fatigue

• Depression

• Dry skin

• Sudden weight gain

How Can We Re-Balance Hormones?

The following lifestyle changes are necessary to re-balance the hormones in the body:

1. Diet

Start with a healthy diet that contains plenty of fruits and vegetables that will provide the antioxidants to support liver health. The liver is where excess hormones are destroyed. Eat a wide variety and different colors.

2. Omega-3

An adequate intake of omega-3 helps to keep the body’s cell receptor sites in the optimal condition for the attachment of hormone molecules. Nuts, seeds and oily fish are good sources of omega-3 fatty acid.

3. Reduce Processed Food And Trans Fats

Processed food increases the toxin load in the body. This puts more pressure on the liver to detox. Trans fats affect the body’s cell receptor sites, impairing hormonal influence.

4. Sleep

Get sufficient sleep: at least six to eight hours a day. Lack of sleep causes hormones to swing into overdrive. Lack of sleep also creates stress in the body, which will affect hormone production.

5. Minerals

Iodine, selenium and zinc are important minerals for hormone production. Deficiency in these minerals leads to hormonal imbalance.

6. Herbs

The following herbs are found to aid hormonal balance:

Siberian ginseng – helps the body to handle stress and regulate hormone production.

Damiana – balances menstrual irregularities, cramps and bleeding.

Sarsaparilla root – a natural source of progesterone and testosterone, it stimulates the action of estrogen.

Gotu-kola leaf – stimulates the pituitary gland and thyroid gland.

Saw palmetto fruit – reduces the activity of estrogen and testosterone.

Licorice – reduces the synthesis of testosterone and increases the action of cortisol.

Fo-ti (knotweed) root – supports healthy adrenal function, thyroid imbalance and increases estrogenic activity better than Ashwagandha, Dong Quai and Chaste Tree berry.

Suma – this is a Brazilian ginseng that helps the body to handle stress.

Nettle leaf – a good source of vitamins A, C, D, K, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron and sulphur.

Achieving hormonal balance takes time, as they are complex pathways and mechanisms. Therefore, you need to be patient and employ the above ways to rebalance your hormones first, before your diet and exercise program for weight loss can be effective.

If you need help to achieve effective weight loss, contact me and I can show you how.

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