myhealthfuldiet

Women of all ages and from virtually all backgrounds suffer from problems with their hormones. Particularly for women in their 40s and 50s, hormonal imbalance is a regular part of their day to day. An entire industry has been built around providing maturing women with products that help to alleviate their symptoms. But if you’re one who tends to steer clear of pharmaceuticals, it can be a little hard to find something that can help you to correct hormonal imbalance.

 

The fluctuation in the production of estrogen levels can be seen and felt in many ways by female sufferers.  Common symptoms include mood swings, decreased sex drive, increased facial hair, menstrual changes, weight gain (perhaps as a result of water retention), headaches, dizziness, fatigue, acne, urinary tract infections and depression. While no single one of these symptoms is absolute and conclusive evidence of a hormone imbalance, a combination of symptoms could be indicative that hormones are indeed the culprit.

 

Finding help in your kitchen

There are several natural remedies you can use to help ease the discomfort associated with hormonal imbalance.  First and foremost, look at your diet.  The body is a complex system.  Making sure your body gets the right fuel is your best chance of restoring and maintaining balance.

 

A good diet serves you in a number of important ways.  It helps to ward off unwanted fat, which can tax your system and invite other dis-ease. A good diet also helps you to protect that pretty little brain of yours, speed up your metabolism and strengthen your immune system.

 

So your very first step in correcting hormonal imbalance should be a visit to the produce section.  Go for organic fruits and vegetables, particularly cruciferous vegetables – things like broccoli, bok choy, arugula, cabbage and cauliflower. These foods are also renowned for their anti-cancer properties.

 

If you’re keen on herbal living, there are also herbs and supplements you can buy that are great in combatting hormonal imbalance in women.  No woman should go without taking a bioavailable multivitamin on a daily basis.  Bioavailable means your body is able to absorb what is ingested so that you get the full benefit of taking the supplement.  Focus on making sure you’re getting enough of vitamins E and B6.  Those two are fantastic choices for correcting hormone imbalances.

 

Herbal supplements are also good options for hormones. Perhaps the leading choice is the Chinese herb don quai, also known to help PMS, menopause and hot flashes. There are some side effects (sensitivity to sunlight) so it isn’t for everyone, namely pregnant or nursing women (probably doesn’t apply with those who are menopausal) or those who have breast cancer. Black Cohosh is another herb that has been specifically used to treat menopause. This should not be taken when pregnant because it can stimulate contractions and early labor. Lastly, chasteberry can help balance back the hormones in women. Herbs often have a slow and accumulative effect and need time to get the full effect.

 

Of course, it has to be said – exercise. Ladies, exercise is the fountain of youth.  It absolutely is and it’s in your best interest to incorporate regular exercise into your DAILY routine. 

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