Hormones are responsible for nearly everything about us, either directly or indirectly. They also instigate and influence a large number of our actions without us ever even realizing it. For example, did you know that we feel hunger only after the hormone ghrelin has been released? On the other hand, we are quite familiar with the roles of serotonin and dopamine for maintaining mental satisfaction, aka staving off depression. There are roughly 50+ hormones circulating within the human body, and each of them serve multiple essential functions that allows us to live a healthy life.
Unfortunately, it’s only an idyllic physical condition where every hormone is working in perfect synchronization with everything else in the human body, and each other. Even the very few people that are born with perfect hormonal balance will begin to lose that harmony as they age, making it necessary to take preventive steps. Given how important maintaining hormonal balance is for us to stay healthy, or even function, it’s highly recommended that you go through the following tips for improving hormonal balance.
High-Protein Diet
Proteins are considered to be the building blocks of life for a reason, and contrary to popular belief, the role of a high-protein diet goes beyond just muscle and gain and weight loss. While the roles and functions of protein in improving hormonal regulation are too vast and complex to mention them all here, the following should provide an idea of the same:
Appetite Control – Protein consumption inhibits the release of excess ghrelin, as well as regulating other hunger hormones such as PYY and GLP-1. This prevents undue weight gains caused by overeating.
Weight Loss – In addition to preventing fat accumulation, high-protein diets can also lead to loss of fat that’s already there. This is a process that occurs due to the nutrient’s effects on hunger hormones as explained, but it’s not the sole effect. Protein rich diets have also been associated with better melatonin regulation, which boosts our metabolic rate by improving the quality of sleep.
Testosterone Therapy
Testosterone is the single most important male hormone in a man’s body, but it’s also an essential hormone for women, although women need it in much smaller quantities than men do. Testosterone deficiency can be a result of birth defects, accidents, infections, long term substance abuse, smoking, hormonal interference, diabetes and aging, among various other reasons. Whatever the reason may be, signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency can be observed in men quite easily. Take note of some usual symptoms first:
- Reduced or absent libido
- Poor sexual performance
- Erectile dysfunction
- Infertility or low sperm count
- Constant tiredness
- Low muscle mass/inability to gain muscle mass
- Depression, irritability and mood swings
Depending on the original reason, the solution could be as simple as leading a fit, active lifestyle without alcohol or tobacco in it. However, if that does not seem to be working and your condition is caused by congenital/accidental/aging related issues, your best option is to try testosterone therapy. Just head on over to Elite HRT if you’re unsure of where to buy it, how to use the injections/patches/strips and where to find a doctor who can help you with the guidance you need.
Stress Management
Undue physical stress and any mental stress is deemed to be extremely harmful for the human body, as it has been related to multiple medical conditions and diseases such as cancer, diabetes, morbid obesity, weakened immunity, insomnia, migraine, anxiety, depression, low libido, and the list continues.
Most of these effects of excess stress have been attributed to the stress hormone cortisol and undue adrenalin release. If you can manage stress by adopting a few well-established methods such as meditation, aerobic exercise, caffeine reduction, daily venting (writing, talking to someone, etc.) and active avoidance of procrastinating tendencies, you can achieve better hormonal balance very quickly.