Got These Symptoms? Your Hormones Could Be Out Of Whack
Feeling stressed, exhausted and suffering from mood swings? Your hormones may need some TLC. Naturopath Teneille Newton shares her advice...
If I were to ask you right now, "how are you feeling?", what would you say? Stressed? You're not alone. Most of us - around eight out of ten Australians – are feeling the strain of everyday life,[i] whether it's due to finances, family issues, or health.
This constant stress has a knock-on effect on our health, both physically and mentally. Why? Because cortisol (our main stress hormone) increases as a response to feeling threatened and stays elevated to help our mind and body cope.
Our hormones play an integral role in our body's functions as part of our endocrine system. They are the chemical messengers in your blood that control many important functions. While some stress can be good for us,[ii] extended or repeated stressful circumstances can affect our health.
In fact, prolonged stress can cause any or all of the following:
· poor memory and lack of concentration
· poor sleep
· fatigue and exhaustion
· nervous tension and mild anxiety
· low immunity
· advanced aging
Teneille Newton, naturopath and Eagle Natural Health Education Specialist, shares her top 5 ways to rebalance our hormones by reducing the impact of stress in our lives:
1. Get some sleep
When we sleep many of our hormones are given the chance to replenish their stores, so that you can wake up feeling energised. A regular sleep pattern also helps boost your immune system, and reduce your cravings for sugary and carb-heavy foods.[iii]
[iii] http://www.sciencedirect.com/s...
2. Take a walk
Exercising, especially in nature, has been shown to help reduce your stress levels.[iv] Just thirty minutes a day can help you relax, and improve your mood.[v]
3. Eat Your Greens
If you have an excess of hormones in your body, then your liver may need some support in breaking these down. Eating broccoli, cabbage, kale and cauliflower can help support this process
4. Take supplements
Ashwagandha is a herb known for its psychological and physiological benefits, and has been shown to improve the body's stress response and support healthy cortisol levels.[vi] Taking Adreno Restore Plus which contains KSM-66 Ashwagandha may help.
Ask your health professional if a supplement would be useful for you. Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional. Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet.
5. Meditate
Try mindfulness meditation to help reduce your cortisol levels and to give your mind and body a break from its constant dialogue.[vii]
References:
[i] http://www.psychology.org.au
[iii] http://www.sciencedirect.com
[iv] http://www.pnas.org
[v] http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
[vi]https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au
[vii] https://www.eurekalert.org
For more information, visit Eagle Natural Health
