Those little chemicals in your body called hormones are responsible for a myriad of functions. Estrogen, testosterone, insulin, adrenalin – these are examples of some of the hormones working in your body, and there are many more. When your hormones are off balance, you might experience an increase in stress, fatigue, and irritation – not too mention low libido, depression, insomnia, and even weight gain or adversely, weight loss. As you can see, keeping your hormones in check is crucial to living a happy, healthy life. Let’s take a look at some of the best ways you can do just that.
Stay away from BPA
When you use plastic Tupperware, drink from water bottles, and eat too many canned foods, you’re exposing yourself to BPA, a toxin that’s no good for your hormones. Instead, buy beans and legumes from the bulk section of your health food store and drink from stainless steel bottles. You’ll also want to cook with cast iron, ceramic, or stainless steel pans rather than Teflon ones.
Do burst training
All exercise is key when it comes to balancing your hormones, but one kind of exercise in particular is a potent hormonal medicine. It’s called Burst training, or interval training. To do this powerful yet quick workout, all you do is set your timer for 20 minutes, and then do any kind of high intensity exercise such as sprinting, burpees, fast pushup and sit ups – anything that puts you at your maximum output for 30 seconds, and then rest for 90 seconds. During rest time you can walk or even stay perfectly still while catching your breath. Then repeat the pattern over and over until your 20 minutes is up. Do this 3-4 times a week for best results.
Eat hormonal superfoods
Healthy fats and omega-3 foods are so, so good for hormonal health. So, make sure you’re integrating avocados, organic, extra-virgin coconut oil, extra-virgin olive oil, ghee, and wild-caught salmon into your diet. Flaxseeds, walnuts, chia seeds, grass-fed butter and grass-fed beef and cheese are all good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Stay away from omega 6’s like canola oil, soybean oil, safflower, cottonseed and corn oils. Avoid sugar and processed foods. Eat lots of beans for fiber, beets, and dark, leafy greens as well.