Hormones are called chemical messengers for a reason. They regulate many different physical functions like digestion, good sleep and sexual desires. Hormones are also necessary for the proper functioning of our organs and the timely development of our body. Slight imbalance of hormone levels can cause severe health disorders and threaten our physical and mental health.
From mood swings to loss of appetite, all can be blamed on the disrupted levels of hormones. Unluckily there are several factors including some bad habits which can trigger hormonal imbalance. Be cautious to avoid them for staying fit.
Eating too much sugary foods
So, you have a sugary food and can’t help munching on candy bars and every other form of dessert available. Excessive dessert, chocolates and candy consumption can make you fatter. When you gain weight your body will become resistant to insulin. The task of this hormone is to transport sugar into the blood so that the body cells can be rejuvenated.
Becoming fat can make you prone to Type Two Diabetes. Avoid sugary foods and start using brown sugar which is a healthier option. If you must eat a sugary treat everyday, make sure that you workout enough for sweating it out.
Staying up till late at night
With increasing workload you probably stay up late quite often to finish the pending work and snatch that next promotion. Urban dwellers also stay up late or party all night often. Such bad lifestyle habits can lead to different health disorders including hormonal imbalance.
Working late or partying can increase the levels of stress hormone cortisol. This in turn will make the individuals unable to sleep peacefully. To prevent this from happening try to make a routine of going to bed earlier. You can also try breathing techniques for decreasing the anxiety and stress levels. Soothing music and warm bath will also help in inducing sleep.
Excessive exercising
It is true that you should exercise for around 20 minutes a day for at least 5 days a week. This helps in boosting the levels of feel good hormones serotonin and makes you feel good.
However, if you work out too much then it can affect your hormone levels adversely. People who workout for more than an hour at gym may experience increased levels of stress hormone cortisol. This can lead to sleeplessness and mood swings. Try Pilates, yoga and stretching exercises to avoid this problem.
Having coffee late in the afternoon
A good night’s sleep is necessary for productivity throughout the day. Having several cups of coffee late in the afternoon can result in an increased level of cortisol. Cortisol makes one feel anxious and causes sleep deprivation. The caffeine in coffee triggers cortisol production in our body. Try to drink less coffee and other caffeinated drinks late in the afternoon.
Low fat diet
People who follow a low fat diet for a long period of time may also suffer from hormonal imbalances. When you consume less good fats like Omega 3 fatty acids then inflammation inside your body increases. Inflammation can convert testosterone into estrogen. It can also block progesterone receptors.
Such hormonal imbalances can lead to mood swings, weight gain, fibroid tumors and cystic breasts. To avoid such occurrences you should start consuming avocado, milk, salmon and walnuts. Having small meals throughout the day is a better strategy than skipping meals. Also try to binge less on comfort foods like salty treats and desserts.
Hormonal imbalances can be caused by different bad habits. Try to maintain a moderate weight appropriate for your height and age. Also eat healthy, balanced meals and sleep early.