Hormones are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, affecting many aspects of the human body's function. On a small scale, hormones help deal with everyday stress, body temperature and the natural sleep and wake cycle. Over time, hormones have a profound effect on growth and sexual development and function. Hormones can become unbalanced for many reasons including environmental toxins, a poor diet and lifestyle factors such as stress or growth stages. Balancing hormones naturally can be as simple as providing support to the glands and their needs.
Step 1
Avoid factors that put additional stress on the endocrine glands. According to Dixie Mills, M.D., a practitioner specializing in women's health and a writer for WomentoWomen.com, the most common hormone disruptors include synthetic substances used to make plastic; compounds used in cosmetics, pesticides and herbicides; and heavy metals such as mercury, lead and cadmium. Do not microwave food in plastic containers. Use organic or all-natural cosmetics. Eat organic and untreated foods, and filter your drinking water. Get tested annually for heavy metals in the body.
Step 2
Focus on liver health. The liver is an endocrine gland that secretes hormones that help regulate blood sugar. Its health is especially important for maintaining the effects of the endocrine system because the liver is also responsible for filtering the blood, which is the means by which hormone messages travel the body. Give the liver a break by avoiding foods that are high in fat and protein for a few weeks. Foods that support liver function include apples, radishes and lemons; eat them daily to improve liver productivity.
Step 3
Consume a diet that is whole and unprocessed. Foods that are commercially grown, prepared, packaged and altered from their original state are subject to chemical fortification, high heat and possible leaching from plastics. All of the processing methods that are unnatural take away from the nutritive value of food. Whole foods offer vitamins and minerals that are supportive of body function and health. Antioxidants in organic berries and other "superfoods" work to prevent cellular damage. Cakes, cookies, chips, soda and candy are foods that contribute to stress, obesity and depression, which all overwork and overburden the endocrine system.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Endocrinology Health Guide
- WomentoWomen.com: Endocrine disruptors --- tipping the hormonal scales
- Wellness.com: Hormone Profile
- ''Eating Alive: Prevention Thru Good Digestion''; Dr. John Matsen, N.D.; 2010
- ''Nutritional Symptomatology''; Danielle Perrault, RHN; 2009
- ''Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition''; Paul Pitchford; 2002
