1. Avoid foods that create hormone havoc- Avoid foods like sugar and refined carbohydrates because they can cause blood sugar spikes that affect insulin. Soy is another culprit that contains phytoestrogens called isoflavones that mimic estrogen in the body. Additionally, reduce or limit eating foods that have toxins such as chemicals, preservatives or are processed as these increase acidity, inflammation and decrease the body’s immune capabilities – thus leading to lower functioning of all systems. The stress that toxic foods cause within the body is a major hormone disruptor since stress is one of the leading causes of hormone imbalances.

2. Watch for endocrine disruptors- Almost all plastic releases chemicals that mimic estrogen! Pesticides can interfere with hormonal function so eat organic and be sure to wash your produce! Pay close attention to the label of skincare, beauty, and home cleaning products- parabens and commonly used chemicals within these products are endocrine disruptors and are commonly found in products.

3. Exercise regularly- Not only is Physical activity is a great way to help lower insulin levels, manage stress and decrease inflammation also helps your body to release endorphins which triggers a positive feeling in the body that helps with feelings of wellbeing, thus further decreasing one of the major hormone disruptors, stress!

4. Manage stress- We know its hard these days to manage your stress, but chronic stress increases both our cortisol levels and adrenaline which has a negative effect on all our hormones and specifically taxes the adrenal glands. Stress can be physical, emotional, mental, environmental, and even spiritual! It is important to work towards reducing stressors in your life while also increasing your capacity to deal with life stress as it arises. Try practicing time management, saying NO and honoring your own boundaries, learning new tools to process negative emotions and also ones to help increase your ability to deal with stressful situations such as better communication, breathing techniques, meditation, yoga, processing your thoughts and feelings with a friend, coach or therapist, or even throwing on your favorite playlist and going for a walk outside. 

5. Develop a healthy sleep pattern– Many of your hormones are produced or regulated during the sleep cycle. When your sleep pattern is disrupted, inconsistent or not conducive to deep rest, our hormones are negatively impacted. Be sure to develop a consistent sleep routine, going to bed and getting up around the same time as well as sleeping in total darkness without music or noise present. This creates the optimal condition for your hormones to become more balanced.

6. Eat a balanced diet– Eating proper amounts of healthy fats such as avocado, salmon, olive oil, nuts, and egg yolks greatly improve your body’s ability to balance hormone levels naturally. A balanced diet consists of those healthy fats, lean chemical-free protein, low glycemic carbohydrates and lots of fresh raw veggies!

7. Natural Herbs! There are several natural herbs that you can use to help with hormonal imbalance and to optimize the body’s ability to regulate hormone production more efficiently. I am going to share with you our top 5 herbs that can help balance out our hormones and why. See below!