Hormones are chemicals that coordinate various functions in our body, giving signals and orders to organs, muscles and tissues, through the bloodstream. They are essential to life and our health and there are around 50 different hormones in our body. They are mostly produced by glands and make up our endocrine system. Hormonal imbalances happen when we have too few or too many hormones and can be temporary or chronic imbalances.
Some essential functions of our hormones:
- Balance of menstrual cycles and fertile capacity
- Sleep and mood regulation
- Stabilization of glucose and cholesterol levels
- Maintaining strong, healthy skin, nails, hair and bones
- Maintenance and gain of muscle mass
- Controlling inflammation in the body
- Good functioning of the urinary and reproductive tract
- Good cardiovascular functioning
- Maintenance of memory and cognitive capacity
For women, the menstrual cycle (whether it is regular, whether there is spotting, whether it is very painful or heavy…) is a great mechanism for assessing hormonal health. But there are other signs that should draw our attention: skin problems such as acne or eczema, weight fluctuations, constipation or diarrhea, insomnia or difficulty sleeping, loss of libido, mood swings, hair loss, constant fatigue and muscle weakness.
Three important indicators
Unbalanced glucose levels: if you feel cravings for sweet things or things rich in carbohydrates during the day, a lot of tiredness after meals or a lack of energy, this may be a sign that you need to pay attention to blood glucose spikes.
Tip : follow the page @glucosegoddess for lots of tips on how to keep your glucose levels stable!
Overworked adrenal glands: also known as the adrenals, they are above our kidneys and produce hormones that are super important for our metabolism, immune system, blood pressure and response to stress . They are responsible for the release of the stress hormone, cortisol. If we are constantly stressed and anxious, we release too much cortisol and our body becomes a real roller coaster. If you wake up tired, if you feel very tired during the day and if you only run on coffee, it's a warning from your body.
Slow and inefficient “natural cleaning”: our liver and digestive system are responsible for metabolizing and evacuating excess elements present in the bloodstream. If you rarely go to the bathroom, if you feel bloated, constipated, if your skin is inflamed, has acne, rosacea or eczema, it means you need to give your body's natural cleansing systems a helping hand.
Tip : take Detox Drops every day, in the morning, on an empty stomach. They are pure chlorophyll and stimulate the body to naturally release toxins.
What can we do?
If you identify any of these symptoms, you should, of course, talk to your doctor. However, there are several things you can improve in your lifestyle to improve your well-being:
- Limit your exposure to chemicals: although we can't control everything, we can control something. If you can, choose organic, unprocessed foods. Invest in natural skin care without toxic ingredients - did you know that many ingredients in conventional cosmetics are endocrine disruptors? Invest in a water filter to prevent the accumulation of heavy metals and other chemicals in the body.
- Activate your lymphatic system: lymph is responsible for the efficient transport (and elimination) of toxins from the body. If you feel that there is stagnation, you can stimulate it through regular massages with a body brush, for example.
- Natural detox: it is important that the body is regular and efficient in releasing accumulated toxins. You can give your body a boost with the Detox Range . Try starting the day with the Detox Drops - it can be especially good if you have difficulty having a daily bowel movement - and the Detox Capsules or Detox Powder Mixture before bed, to boost the body's natural cleansing during sleep.
- Adaptogenic plants: powerful in regulating the female hormonal and reproductive system, these plants have the ability to act on the entire organism, balancing energy levels, cortisol production, mood and sleep quality. Shatavari, Ashwagandha, Amla and Reishi are some of the adaptogens in Super Woman Capsules , perfect for helping the body cope with hormonal imbalances.
- Have a good sleep and exercise routine: they are both essential to keep our glucose levels stable and healthy. Exercise is great for releasing toxins and getting all your systems moving and don't forget that, during sleep, the body regenerates and resets, so it's good to have quality sleep!
- Control that stress!: it's one of those tips that is easy to say, although difficult to implement. But if you feel like stress and anxiety are getting out of hand, then try to find small rituals that help you relax and connect with yourself.
- Improve your diet: Eating green vegetables is always essential. They help to naturally cleanse the body and contain fiber to prevent constipation. Remember when we said above that Detox Drops were pure chlorophyll? That's why!
Vitamin E, omega-3 and omega-6, present in flaxseed, sesame, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, are essential for good hormonal functioning. They are also rich in zinc and selenium. Legumes are excellent at controlling blood glucose and contain phytoestrogens, which protect the body from endocrine disruptors.
You can and should reinforce certain nutrients, depending on each phase of the cycle:
Menstrual phase and follicular phase (post menstruation): give your body rich sources of iron, such as lentils, dark leafy vegetables, red meat, raisins and dried apricots.
Ovulation: a phase of greater energy, in which we must prepare the body with antioxidants to reach the menstrual phase with low levels of inflammation. Bet on seeds and red fruits!
Luteal Phase (pre-menstruation): focus on complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice, sweet potatoes, wholemeal bread and legumes, to avoid cravings and mood swings. You can reduce salt consumption to prevent fluid retention and excessive abdominal bloating. To balance sodium levels, foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, potatoes, avocados, tomatoes, oranges, almonds, cashews, salmon and chicken, are a good option.