Happy hormones = balanced hormones. Plain and simple.
And hormonal imbalance can be nasty especially as it’s one of the hallmarks of perimenopause / menopause.
Urgh!
Cue undesirable health effects such as unwanted breakouts, fatigue, depression, hair loss, low libido, painful periods or miserable menopause.
While all of those symptoms are enough to send you straight to the barmy-land, there’s a better way to manage things from the start.
Let’s look at five ways you can take control of your hormonal health and get happy hormones without going mad.
1. Get Enough Sleep For Happy Hormones
Good sleep is imperative for both health and happy hormones.
And if you’ve ever experienced a late night, broken sleep, or if you struggle with insomnia you know how devastating the effects can be.
What’s more, sleep helps regulate hormones to give you the energy to perform daily tasks, think clearly, perform creatively, have a healthy immune system, and maintain a healthy weight. True story.
2. Keep Yourself Hydrated For Happy Hormones
Yes, that old chestnut! And do you know why you hear it so often? It’s because it’s one of the best things you can do for everything. Including your health, happiness and beauty.
Furthermore, hydration is also one of the most important things for maintaining hormonal balance.
But it doesn’t have to be boring.
In addition to pure, clean water, you can add nutrient-dense vegetable juices and antioxidant/fibre-rich smoothies. Coconut water is another option that can add variety to your hydration plan. Packed with electrolytes, coconut water may help you rehydrate faster if you’ve been exercising or sweating.
Water should be your first choice, though. 😀 Cheers! 🚰 🥂 (Champagne? No, think water! LOL)
Your skin is your largest organ and as such it’s a key player in the hormone and detoxification game.
Whenever you exercise, the movement gets your lymphatic system pumping, which helps scoop up excess hormones, cellular debris, and waste into the lymph nodes. As a result, they’re excreted either through sweat, urine, or poop.
So sweat not only helps regulate your temperature (out pesky hot flushes!) but also pushes toxins and salts out of the body. Saunas and warm mineral baths are other good ways to induce healthy sweating. Get your glow on and bring on the balance.
4. Eat Healthily For Happy Hormones
What you eat can impact your hormone balance.
For example, too much sugar will spike insulin. Over time, excess insulin production leads to insulin resistance, which stresses the body and triggers an adrenal response. Cortisol enters the scene, and you experience a trap of fatigue and stress that is difficult to escape.
4-6 cups of whole, seasonal vegetables daily (organic if possible). Green, leafy vegetables are hormone helpers, onion/leeks and cruciferous veggies are detox divas!
The fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in all vegetables help support good health and hormone balance.
Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants and can boost your metabolism. Drinking green tea results in reduced insulin levels. The antioxidants contained in the tea can also help regulate oxidative stress.
Protein
Protein is necessary for energy and balanced blood sugar. More is not necessarily better. The body converts excess protein into fat, so always aim for balance. Organic, pasture-raised meats, wild-caught fish, and eggs from free-range, naturally raised hens are best if you enjoy animal protein.
If you enjoy a plant-based or vegan lifestyle (like us!), focus on a variety of colourful vegetables and protein-rich plant foods like quinoa, legumes, seeds, and nuts.
Healthy fats.
Happy hormones are dependent on healthy fats. The good fats include cold-pressed olive oil, coconut oil, macadamia nut oil, avocado, and olives. They help regulate your blood sugar and provide the building blocks for your hormones.
Conclusion
Change is always about baby steps.
Small steps, taken consistently, are the key to supporting your health and creating good habits.
When we’re talking about hormones, you will be surprised by how much better you may feel simply by incorporating the healthy habits we mentioned. Comment down below and share your favourite healthy habits!
Need help on your perimenopause / menopause journey? We can help.
Check out the 21-Day Hormone Detox or join our VIP 12-week program today. Click here to find out more.
Yes, that old chestnut! And do you know why you hear it so often? It’s because it’s one of the best things you can do for everything. Including your health, happiness and beauty.
