How to Balance Hormones

How to Balance Hormones

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DULSE  | A beauty & hormone-supporting food: the popularity of pink salt demands supplementation of idoine-rich sources from the sea. Small amount of this iodine-rich sea vegetable in salads & stews works in harmony with the thyroid gland to regulate hormone levels and shift the body into an optimal state. 

This a guest post by the ever knowledgeable Stephanie Kiesow, a Public Health educator.


 Hormonal imbalance is a topic most women unfortunately deal with at some point in their lives. The measures that Stephanie  has gathered are not only healing protocols to assist in the treatment of hormonal imbalance—irregular, absent, or painful menstruation, skin issues, or mental health—but also preventative tools to ensure female reproductive health.

 

Vitamin D: A micronutrient on the rise. 

Yes, this vitamin actually works as a “prohormone”. First synthesized in the skin from UVB light and activated in the liver, this micronutrient is currently being examined in research for cancer prevention (e.g. breast), anemia, hair loss, and mental health to name a few. Make sure to obtain adequate sunshine daily –especially those who practice veganism or vegetarianism since the only dietary sources of vitamin D are animal-based products (with the exception of irritated mushrooms). This hormone may be connected to women’s health in more ways than one.
the best supplement: Quantum Labs D3 Serum

 

Practicing conscious awareness of organ reserve

Majority of women can define stress yet what seems to go unnoticed is the concept of “organ reserve.” I first found out about this topic from Dr. Gottfried’s book, The Hormone Cure. She defines organ reserve as the capacity of an organ to function beyond its baseline requirements. When our organs are under chronic pressure, our organ reserve becomes depleted, often leading to hormonal imbalances. 

SPROUTED HAZELNUTS & TURKISH MULBERRIES  | These nuts & dried mulberries are a power snack, especially for young women, since the mulberries are a rare berry that provides an excellent amount of iron. When combined with the Vitamin c in the berry, the bioavailability of the iron is greatly enhanced and easily assimilated.

 

Sipping on herbal teas

Many women see beneficial results from consuming herbal products that support regulation of the female reproductive system. Nourishment of the female reproductive organs is critical during pregnancy but also during preconception as well as during postpartum. Some popular herbs include: black cohosh, raspberry leaf, red ginseng, and dong quai. If your periods are irregular or painful, consult an herbologist or a naturopathic doctor to explore herbal options. (A note of caution: some of these herbs are often combined together in specific proportions and therefore it is not recommended to self-diagnose with herbal products.)

 

Experiment with self fertility massage

This practice is on my to-do list. Massage can help support a healthy uterus by increasing circulation, balancing hormones, improving egg health, and reducing inflammation associated with ovarian cysts to name a few. Below is a link to a recommended site if you are interested in exploring further. 

 

Support Your Mental Health

Our hormones are affected by our daily mental tension and vice versa. It's essential to take care of our minds when we pay attention to taking care of our bodies. Reconnecting with our feelings either one-on-one through journaling or sharing them with a therapist is helpful. We all have lives, so if journaling seems like too big of a time commitment, try to journal once per week. The same goes to therapy, which is often a time and financial concern. If these are an issue for you, try BetterHelp, which makes professional counseling accessible, affordable, and convenient on its online portal.

Dried mulberries & hazelnuts

These nuts & dried mulberries

 are a power snack, especially for young women, since the mulberries are a rare berry that provides an excellent amount of iron. When combined with the Vitamin c in the berry, the bioavailability of the iron is greatly enhanced and easily assimilated.

Sipping on herbal teas

Many women see beneficial results from consuming herbal products that support regulation of the female reproductive system. Nourishment of the female reproductive organs is critical during pregnancy but also during preconception as well as during postpartum. Some popular herbs include: black cohosh, raspberry leaf, red ginseng, and dong quai. If your periods are irregular or painful, consult an herbologist or a naturopathic doctor to explore herbal options. (A note of caution: some of these herbs are often combined together in specific proportions and therefore it is not recommended to self-diagnose with herbal products.)

Experiment with self fertility massage

This practice is on my to-do list.

Massage

can help support a healthy uterus by increasing circulation, balancing hormones, improving egg health, and reducing inflammation associated with ovarian cysts to name a few. Below is a link to a recommended site if you are interested in exploring further. 

Support Your Mental Health

Our hormones are affected by our daily mental tension and vice versa. It's essential to take care of our minds when we pay attention to taking care of our bodies. Reconnecting with our feelings either one-on-one through journaling or sharing them with a therapist is helpful. We all have lives, so if journaling seems like too big of a time commitment, try to journal once per week. The same goes to therapy, which is often a time and financial concern. If these are an issue for you, try BetterHelp, which makes professional counseling accessible, affordable, and convenient on its online portal.

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