Hormones are chemicals that coordinate various functions in our body, sending signals and orders to organs, muscles, and tissues through the bloodstream. They are essential to life and our health, and there are about 50 different hormones in our body. They are mostly produced by glands and make up our endocrine system. Hormonal imbalances occur when we have too few or too many hormones and can be temporary or chronic.
Some essential functions of our hormones:
- Balance of menstrual cycles and fertility
- Sleep and mood regulation
- Stabilization of glucose and cholesterol levels
- Maintaining strong and healthy skin, nails, hair, and bones.
- Maintaining and gaining muscle mass
- Controlling inflammation in the body
- Proper functioning of the urinary and reproductive tracts
- Good cardiovascular function
- Memory maintenance and cognitive ability
For women, the menstrual cycle (whether it's regular, if there's spotting, if it's very painful or heavy…) is a great way to assess hormonal health. But there are other signs that should draw our attention: skin problems like 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 crave sweets or carbohydrate-rich foods throughout the day, experience excessive fatigue after meals, or have low energy levels, it may be a sign that you need to pay attention to blood glucose spikes.
Tip : Follow the page @glucosegoddess for tons of tips on how to keep your glucose levels stable!
Overworked adrenal glands: also known as the suprarenal glands, they are located above our kidneys and produce hormones that are super important for our metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, and stress response . They are responsible for releasing the stress hormone, cortisol. If we are constantly stressed and anxious, we release too much cortisol, and our body becomes a real rollercoaster. If you wake up tired, feel very tired during the day, and only function with coffee, it's a warning sign from your body.
Slow and inefficient "natural cleansing": our liver and digestive system are responsible for metabolizing and eliminating excess elements from the bloodstream. If you go to the bathroom infrequently, feel bloated, constipated, or have inflamed skin with acne, rosacea, or eczema, it means you need to give these natural body cleansing systems a boost.
Tip : Take the 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 with any of these symptoms, you should, of course, talk to your doctor. However, there are several things you can improve in your lifestyle to enhance your well-being:
- Limit your exposure to chemicals: while we can't control everything, we can control some things. If possible, opt for organic and unprocessed foods. Invest in natural skincare 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 there is stagnation, you can stimulate it through regular massages with a body brush, for example.
- Natural detox: It's important for the body to be regular and efficient in releasing accumulated toxins. You can give your body a boost with Gama Detox . Try starting your day with Detox Drops – this can be especially good if you have difficulty with daily bowel movements – and Detox Capsules or Detox Powder Mix before bed to boost the body's natural cleansing process during sleep.
- Adaptogenic plants: powerful for regulating the female hormonal and reproductive system, these plants have the ability to act on the entire body, 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.
- Establish a good sleep and exercise routine: both are essential for maintaining stable and healthy glucose levels. Exercise is great for releasing toxins and getting all systems moving , and don't forget that during sleep, the body regenerates and resets, so it's important to get quality sleep!
- Control that stress!: This is one of those tips that's easy to say, but difficult to put into practice. But if you feel that stress and anxiety are getting out of control, 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 cleanse the body naturally and contain fiber to prevent constipation. Remember when we mentioned above that the Detox Drops were pure chlorophyll? That's why!
Vitamin E, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, present in flaxseed, sesame, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, are essential for proper hormonal function. 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 boost certain nutrients, according to each phase of the cycle:
Menstrual phase and follicular phase (post-menstruation): give your body iron-rich sources such as lentils, dark leafy green vegetables, red meat, raisins, and dried apricots.
Ovulation: a phase of increased energy, during which we should prepare the body with antioxidants to reach the menstrual phase with low inflammation levels. Focus on seeds and red fruits!
Luteal Phase (premenstrual): Opt for complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice, sweet potatoes, whole-wheat bread, and legumes, to avoid cravings and mood swings. You can reduce your salt intake 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.