With everything happening in our lives, it’s sometimes hard to identify where our feelings and emotions are coming from. We may consider that they are from external influences such as family, friends or a situation at work. Maybe they’re being caused by an internal mental battle that you are fighting with yourself. No matter the source, an imbalance in hormones is the last thing you need when seeking regularity in your life. We seldom consider how delicate the balance within our own ecosystem is, but luckily there are ways to regulate this sensitive system.

A hormonal imbalance occurs when your body either has too little or too much of a hormone. Even the smallest imbalances can feel significant. Hormones are responsible for regulating most of our major bodily functions including appetite and metabolism, heart rate, sleep cycles, reproductive cycles and sexual function, general growth and development, mood and stress levels and body temperature.

Hormonal imbalances can be caused by a variety of issues including stress, nutrient deficiency, under/overactive glands, being overweight or obese, poor diet/nutrition and toxins/endocrine disruptors. By adjusting our diets and lifestyle we can naturally and easily regulate our hormones.

Maintaining a balanced diet is so important in regulating hormones. Healthy fats such as coconut oil, avocados, salmon, whole eggs and nuts are a great source of energy that help you absorb certain vitamins and nutrients. Adaptogen herbs help you handle stress and work to balance your hormones in a safe and effective way. Some of the best for hormone balancing include ashwaganda, rhodiola, holy basil, maca and medicinal mushrooms. Leafy greens such as spinach, chard, kale and broccoli boost your liver’s ability to process estrogen, essentially detoxifying your system. Other anti-inflammatory foods including tomatoes, olive oil, berries, green tea and turmeric are unlikely to manipulate hormones and can add regulation back into your system.

In addition to adapting your diet, there are lifestyle changes to help regulate hormonal imbalances. Ensure that you are consuming enough protein per day. Dietary protein provides essential amino acids that your body can’t make on its own, these amino acids help maintain skin, muscle and bone health. Reduce insulin levels and increase insulin sensitivity by getting enough exercise. Avoid sugar and refined carbs, and be sure to eliminate other foods that you may be sensitive to. Balance stress to reduce cortisol levels. Consider the toxins in and around your body, we seldom research the products we use on our skin and in our houses, and often they contain harsh chemicals that we should focus on avoiding. Be sure to follow an anti-inflammatory diet, as mentioned above, and always get a good night's sleep.

It is best to slowly begin incorporating these foods and lifestyle changes into your everyday life, moving slowly helps you approach this steadily. Continue to research and stay updated on the latest news in the health world, there are always new advancements and discoveries being made.

CCT BOOK CLUB

CCT’s Women Only Retreat features a world renowned chef, who has experience catering for all dietary needs. Naturally, we promote an anti-inflammatory diet and try our best to incorporate Moroccan culture into our cuisine. It’s more than a fitness retreat or yoga retreat, it is an immersive experience like no other.