Juicing For Health - Tips For Hormonal Imbalances
Overview
Hormonal imbalance effects thousands of men and woman every year. Many think hormonal imbalances are primarily a condition that effects woman but it is just as frequent in males.
Hormones play as massive role in maintaining optimal health, when they go out of whack they can cause a range of horrible symptoms and eventually even disease. Hormones are notoriously overlooked when it comes to common conditions such as acne, anxiety/panic attacks, depression etc.
Hormonal Imbalance Causes
There are many causes of hormonal imbalances here are a few of the most common.
- HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
- Adrenal Gland Dysfunction & Prolonged Stress
- Birth Control Pills
- Poor Liver Function
- Endocrine Disorders
- Environmental Chemicals (Pesticides and Hormones)
- Excessive Alcohol Intake
- Cosmetic Products
- Obesity
Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms
Although the symptoms can vary between men and woman due different hormones being imbalanced, there are a number of common symptoms directly related to hormonal imbalance such as acne, depression, heart palpitations, mood swings, insomnia, weight gain, fatigue, thinning hair or hair loss, loss of libido, irregular periods, tender or sore breasts, hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety and panic attacks, thyroid dysfunction or disorders, water retention, erectile dysfunction/impotence, hirsutism , polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and vaginal dryness.
Tips For Hormonal Balance
Supporting your liver has to be one of the best ways to achieve hormonal balance. The best way to do this is through the use of liver support herbs in particular those which have bitter properties. The bitter element when it comes in contact with the back of the tongue causes the liver to flush, which results in increased function. This is crucial so that excess hormones are metabolized. Examples of bitter herbs which in most cases also have liver support benefits are andrographis, milk thistle, dandelion, bupleurum, gentian and so on. These herbs are best taken pre-meal either in powder or tincture form so they can come in contact with the back of the tongue. Half a teaspoon is sufficient to flush the liver.
Keeping your adrenal glands in tip top shape is another essential when it comes to hormones, prolonged stress weakens the adrenal glands which can cause hormonal imbalances. If your undergoing stress or already suffer from adrenal gland dysfunction then supplementing with adaptogenic herbs is a great idea. Adaptogenic herbs help support adrenal gland and endocrine function, not only that many of these herbs also balance hormones and cleanse the liver. Some examples of adaptogenic herbs are ashwagandha, schizandra berry, jiaogulan, maca root, licorice root and reishi.
A plant based vegan diet which includes foods such as soya that are rich in phyto-estrogens helps balance hormones. Also vegan diets don't include meat and dairy products which contain strong animal hormones that mess with hormonal balance.
Foods rich in essential fatty acids such as omega 3, 6 and 9 are crucial for hormone synthesis. Good vegan sources include nuts and seeds such as Chia and Hemp. Which is why low fat diets are not recommended, a moderate intake is optimal.
Exercise as we know is essential to achieve peak physical and mental health, and is a great tool for relieving stress which is a common factor in hormonal imbalances.
In most cases avoiding hormone creams and supplements such as DHEA is recommended. These can further weaken the body causing more imbalance.
Gut flora is an essential part of the body for maintaining health and is a large part of our immune system. When the gut flora becomes imbalanced due to stress, medications, antibiotics etc a whole host of symptoms such as digestive disorders, candida overgrowth, hormonal imbalance can occur. These beneficial microbes metabolize and recycle hormones such as estrogen and thyroid hormones. Fermented foods such as water kefir and cultured vegetables are the best way to repopulate your gut flora. You should also include prebiotics which are undigestable substances which the good bacteria feed on. Good sources of prebiotics are FOS, Inulin, rice bran, fruits, vegetables and seaweeds.
Avoiding caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and other stimulants that weaken the adrenal glands and liver is recommended.
Depending on what hormone is imbalanced, different supplements are recommended. If you were low in progesterone you could supplement with chasteberry which has been shown to increase progesterone naturally, although can take up to 2 months to start working. The tips above will help in all cases of hormonal imbalance.
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