Hormones are chemicals secreted by endocrine glands into the bloodstream directing organs and tissues what to do. Hormone balance, especially in women, is extremely important because it helps you to function effectively both physically as well as emotionally.
Hormonal imbalance as the name suggests occurs when there is an imbalance in the hormones, that is, there is too much or too little hormone left in the bloodstream that even the slightest change in the body can have severe effects on your body.
Signs and Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance:
Given below are symptoms specific to women:
Irregular periods, including heavy or missed periods.
Excess amount of hair on the face, chin, and other parts of the body
Acne on face, chest, and upper back
Thinning hair or hair loss
Weight gain or trouble losing weight
Darkening of skin along the neck creases, groin, and underneath breasts too
Skin tags
Dryness of vagina
Pain during intercourse
Sweating at night
Some common symptoms generally include fatigue, puffy face, hair fall or hair thinning, sensitivity to coolness and heat, frequent need to urinate, weakening of muscles and constipation or loose motion.
THAT’S HELL IRRITATING, RIGHT?
Well, don’t worry we have curated a list of the things what you can do to balance your hormones. JUST BREATH!
How to balance the hormones?
Before knowing the ways to balance hormones, lets first see why is it so important to balance the hormones.
As mentioned earlier, hormones work to direct every organ and tissue what to do, how to do, and for how long. Since every part of your body starting from brain to skin, heart, kidneys, as well as muscles have a specific job and to complete their job, they need instructions from time to time provided by the hormones.
Therefore, the secretion of hormones in a balanced way becomes important. Balance in hormone leads to:
Better growth and development
Increased metabolism
Improved sexual function
Increased chances of reproduction
Decreased mood imbalances
Now that you know the importance of balancing hormones, let us look at the ways of how you balance your ways naturally.
Eat a sufficient amount of protein consuming enough amounts of protein every day is very essential to balance the hormones as the amino acids present in proteins help in maintaining muscle, bone, and skin health.
1. Exercise Regularly
One of the most important factors contributing to balancing hormonal imbalance.
Regular exercise helps in maintaining the insulin levels in the body allowing cells to take up sugar along with amino acids from the bloodstream. This helps in maintaining muscle strength and energy levels in the body.
2. Get Enough Sleep
No matter how much nutrients you take or how much exercise you do, these things won’t help until you get sufficient sleep.
Not only quantity but the quality of sleep also matters a lot. An uninterrupted sleep of at least 7 hours every day is important for the body to restore its health. Disturbed or less sleep leads to decreased secretion of many hormones including growth hormone, insulin, cortisol, ghrelin, leptin, etc.
3. Lower Inflammation
Inflammation can be seen in the form of puffy as well as the rounded face. It is caused due to the disruption in insulin secretion as a result of hormonal imbalance. Consider eating fatty fish to lower inflammation. If you don’t eat fish, drink fatty fish oil regularly.
4. Manage Your Stress Levels
Stress is known to cause havoc in your hormone levels. Production of cortisol “the stress hormone” is important as it helps in managing the stress levels in your body.
You can de-stress yourself by engaging in practices like meditation, yoga, deep breathing, dancing, or taking your dog to walk. Anything that gives you happiness will act as your de-stressor. It all depends on you.
5. Avoid Sugary Beverages
Sugars are unhealthy but liquid sugars are the worst. Consuming large amounts of sugar leads to a reduction in insulin resistance as well as higher insulin levels triggering an imbalance in the hormones.
Here is the list of best foods that you can take to balance your hormones along with the worst foods that you should avoid.
WHAT YOU SHOULD TAKE
Flax Seeds
Broccoli
Lentils
Sweet potatoes
Pomegranate
Nuts mainly almonds
Turmeric
Avacado
Quinoa
Leafy green vegetables
WHAT TO AVOID
Red Meat
Coffee (caffeine)
All types of Sugar
Alcohol
Processed and Refined Foods
Time to get rid of hormonal imbalance takes time. Some people may see results in a week while for some it may take three to six months. You need to have the patience to see the expected results!
ACNE: A BIG CONCERN
Are you struggling with Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne is most common in women, irrespective of their age.
During puberty, hormonal acne mostly appears in the T-zone including the forehead, nose, and chin. Hormonal acne in adults mostly appears on the lower part of the face like the bottom of the cheeks and around the jawline.
Hormonal acne may also take the form of blackheads, whiteheads, as well as small pimples that come to the head or cysts may also be formed underneath the skin. They don’t appear on the head and are often tender to touch.
Hormonal acne may be caused by triggers of hormones from:
These hormonal fluctuations cause acne due To Inflammation of skin, Sebum (oil) production in the pores of the skin, Clogging of skin cells in the hair follicles and production of acne-causing bacteria.
Below given are some tips on how to treat hormonal acne naturally:
Tea Tree Oil
This essential oil helps in decreasing inflammation. A few drops of tea tree oil mixed with a carrier oil like coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil can work wonders for your skin. It is also available as cleaners and toners.
Green Tea
Drink a few cups of green tea per day along with your regular practice of skincare regimen will help in reducing inflammation. Some lotions contain a certain amount of green tea extract. These can be helpful too.
Make a habit of washing your face twice a day. Preferably in the morning and then before sleeping.
Stop applying large amounts of acne products because it may irritate due to drying out the skin.
Put sunscreen on your face every day even if there’s no sun.
If natural remedies do not work, immediately consult a dermatologist.
Progesterone is one of the hormones released by the ovary helping in regulating the menstrual cycle. It also helps in building as well as maintaining the thick blood layer on the uterus line helping the uterus prepare for pregnancy.
Also, if you have a watery period flow this is what you should know and should not ignore.
Low progesterone levels may lead to trouble in getting or staying pregnant. This may result in miscarriage or even fetal death.
Foods like beans, broccoli, sprouts, cauliflower, pumpkin, spinach and whole grains
may help in increasing the production of progesterone in your body naturally.
Reduction in progesterone may lead to a dominance of estrogen hormone in the body. To bring both of these to an equal level, you can also consider eating foods that would help in lowering estrogen levels in the body. These foods are:
Bananas
Cabbage
Shellfish
Walnuts
Your hormones affect each aspect of your body and health. You might need them in very low amounts but they are very essential for the body to function optimally.
Hormonal imbalances can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and many other health problems too.
As a result, taking nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and changing your lifestyle can go a long way in improving your hormonal health.
About the author
Nupur
Nupur is a graduate from Delhi University and is a passionate writer. Very fond of reading books and listening to old songs!
8 Amazing Drumsticks Benefits That Can Change Your Life
The moringa tree is utilized for food, oil, fiber, and/or medicine in almost all of its components. Pods and leaves are the most significant products in the Pacific.
The moringa tree is utilized for food, oil, fiber, and/or medicine in almost all of its components. Pods and leaves are the most significant products in the Pacific.
You can eat young pods as a vegetable. Young pods lack fiber and resemble string beans in their preparation.
Commercial production mostly employs larger, fibrous pods suitable for soups, stews, and curries because very immature pods weigh very little.
Various cuisines utilize nutrient-rich leaves in stews, stir-fries, and soups. People also consume young leaves and blooms after sautéing them.
Usually, one or two backyard trees are enough to supply the number of pods and leaves needed for domestic consumption.
Native to the foothills of the Himalayas (India/Bangladesh), moringa. It is widely grown as a commercial crop in India and several regions of Africa.
Finding a place in the tropics or subtropics where moringa is not cultivated as a garden tree for leaf and pod consumption, medicinal use, and fiber would be difficult. Areas with a South and Southeast Asian (especially Filipino) population are more likely to have moringa.
Drumstick nutritional value:
Long regarded as a miracle plant for enhancing the nutrition of underprivileged communities in the tropics and subtropics, moringa.
On a dry weight basis, leaves have a high (20–35%) protein content. The fact that protein is of prime importance and high quality, containing a good amount of each essential amino acid.
This amino acid equilibrium in plant meals is extremely unique.
Additionally, moringa leaves are rich in nutrients and have significant concentrations of vitamin A (7564 IU), vitamin C (51.7 mg), calcium (185 mg), and potassium (337 mg) per 100 g of fresh weight (Foidl and Paull 2008).
In order to enhance the protein content and nutritional value of food, people in Africa and other regions of the world widely use moringa powder as a dietary supplement.
1-2 teaspoons of dried powder are added to soups and stews every day. To increase prenatal nutrition, African pregnant women are given 25 g of moringa powder every day. (Diatta 2001).
Drumsticks Benefits:
Drumsticks benefits for Females:
1. Enhances general health of pregnant women:
Drumsticks are a rich source of various essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, vitamins A, C, and E.
However, consuming drumsticks during pregnancy can help enhance the general health of pregnant women, as well as promote the healthy development of the fetus.
2. Reduces symptoms of morning sickness in pregnant women:
The anti-inflammatory properties of drumsticks can help reduce the symptoms of morning sickness in pregnant women.
The high fiber content can also help regulate bowel movements, which can alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness.
3. Enhances milk production in nursing moms:
Drumsticks contain calcium, iron, and vitamins C and K, which are essential for enhancing milk production in nursing mothers.
Regular consumption of drumsticks can help nursing moms produce sufficient milk for their babies.
4. Enhances sexual health:
Drumsticks contain aphrodisiac properties and can help improve sexual health.
They are known to enhance libido and improve overall sexual function in both men and women.
5. Increases fertility:
Drumsticks contain important nutrients such as vitamin C, iron, and magnesium, which are known to enhance fertility in women.
Consuming drumsticks can help regulate menstrual cycles and improve ovulation, leading to increased chances of conception.
6. Enhances the immune system:
Drumsticks are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, which can help enhance the immune system.
Regular consumption of drumsticks can help improve overall health and prevent various illnesses and diseases.
Drumsticks benefits for Males:
1. Aids in enhancing prostate health:
Drumsticks contain phytochemicals and antioxidants that can help enhance prostate health.
Regular consumption of drumsticks can help prevent the development of prostate-related problems such as enlarged prostate, prostatitis, and prostate cancer.
2. Aids in increasing libido:
Drumsticks contain certain compounds that can help increase libido in both men and women.
These compounds can help stimulate the production of hormones that are responsible for sexual arousal and desire.
3. Aids in controlling erectile dysfunction:
Drumsticks contain certain nutrients and compounds that can help improve blood flow to the genital area.
Improved blood flow can help control erectile dysfunction and enhance sexual performance.
4. Increases the level of testosterone:
Testosterone is an important hormone that plays a crucial role in male sexual health.
Drumsticks contain certain compounds that can help increase the level of testosterone in the body.
Increased testosterone levels can help improve libido, sexual function, and overall sexual health.
5. Aids in increasing sperm count and sperm motility in those who are infertile:
Consuming drumsticks benefit men who are infertile to improve their sperm count and motility because they are rich in various nutrients, such as vitamins C and E, iron, zinc, and magnesium.
Moreover, regular consumption of drumsticks can help improve overall sperm health, increasing the chances of conception for couples who are trying to conceive.
Include drumstick in your diet:
1. Drumstick juice benefits:
Drumsticks have significant calcium and iron content. Consuming them can therefore be quite important for creating strong and healthy bone structures.
2. Drumstick soup benefits:
Antioxidants and vitamin C are abundant in the drumstick. This aids in blood purification. Asthma, the flu, asthma, and other common infections are also treated with drumstick soup.
3. Drumstick vegetable benefits:
Drumsticks are a great source of phosphorus, fiber, and several other vitamins.
Due to their antioxidant characteristics, these nutrient-rich veggies can aid in the management of diabetes and the defense against infections.
They also aid in preventing inflammatory illnesses including arthritis and heart disease.
4. Benefits of eating a drumstick:
As a Supplement, it works. The vitamins and minerals in drumsticks are first-rate. Fresh drumstick pods or leaves are a powerful nutrient for your health.
Other health benefits
Drumsticks benefit diabetics since they help control blood sugar levels. They improve the gall bladder’s performance, which in turn aids in regulating the body’s blood sugar levels. Thus, you must include drumsticks in your diet if you have high blood sugar.
Drumstick leaves also aid in blood purification, which is another advantage Drumsticks are a powerful antibiotic and can purify blood. Regular consumption of drumsticks can help your blood circulate more efficiently.
Skin and hair nourishment and protection: Drumstick soup, a protein-rich dish, keeps hair healthy and helps to shield it from free radical damage. It also contains anti-aging qualities to guard against skin deterioration. It also has moisturizing and detoxifying components that benefit the skin and hair. It can effectively treat skin sores and infections.
Moringa (drumstick) Side Effects
Although people think that the leaves, petals, stems, and seed pods of drumsticks are safe for consumption, consuming them may have some negative consequences.
The following negative effects of eating too many drumsticks are possible:
Decrease in blood pressure
Sluggish heartbeat
Consuming drumstick bark may result in stomach discomfort and uterine contractions.
Low blood sugar levels can result from interference with blood sugar levels.
Interfering with conception.
It is advised against eating drumsticks with:
Drugs for the thyroid.
Hypertensive medication.
Additionally, extracts from drumstick roots should not be consumed.
Final word
Everyone benefits from regularly eating drumsticks for their health. People with diabetes benefit from a nutritious drumstick soup since it boosts the immune system, reduces infections, battles acne and pimples, and avoids heart disease.
Eating Green: Discovering the Nutritional Power of Green Vegetables
Incorporating healthy green vegetables into your diet can provide you with a plethora of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that can help support your overall health and well-being.
Incorporating healthy green vegetables into your diet can provide you with a plethora of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that can help support your overall health and well-being.
From leafy greens to cruciferous vegetables, there are many options for adding more green foods to your diet.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of eating green and provide a list of some of the healthiest green vegetables to include in your meals.
Benefits Of Eating Green
Adding more green foods to your diet can have a significant impact on your health. Here are some of the benefits of eating green:
1. Rich in Nutrients:
Green vegetables are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that can help support your body’s functions.
These nutrients can help boost your immune system, support healthy digestion, and improve your overall health.
2. Low in Calories:
Many green vegetables are low in calories, making them an excellent option for those looking to maintain a healthy weight or lose weight.
Eating more green foods can help you feel full and satisfied while also providing your body with the necessary nutrients.
3. Antioxidant-Rich:
Green vegetables are often high in antioxidants, which can help protect your body against oxidative stress and inflammation.
These compounds can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
4. High in Fiber:
Many green vegetables are high in fiber, which can help support healthy digestion and regulate blood sugar levels.
Fiber can also help you feel full and satisfied, reducing the likelihood of overeating.
5. Better Heart Health:
Eating a diet that is high in green vegetables can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and improve overall heart health.
6. Improved Mental Function:
Many green vegetables contain nutrients that can help support healthy brain function, improve memory, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
12 Green Food List: Nutritious Foods for a Healthy Diet
When it comes to healthy foods, green vegetables are some of the best options out there.
These vegetables contain a variety of essential vitamins and minerals that can help support a range of bodily functions, from healthy digestion to improved immune function.
Here is a list of some green foods that you should add to your diet:
1. Spinach
Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin A, iron, and folate. It also contains antioxidants that can help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation. Incorporating spinach into your meals can help support healthy digestion, bone health, and immune function.
2. Kale
Kale is another leafy green vegetable that is packed with nutrients. It is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, and folate. It also contains antioxidants that can help protect against cancer and heart disease. Adding kale to your diet can help support healthy eyesight, skin, and bones.
3. Broccoli
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that is high in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K. It also contains compounds that can help reduce inflammation and protect against cancer. Incorporating broccoli into your meals can help support healthy digestion, bone health, and immune function.
4. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a cruciferous vegetable that is rich in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K. They also contain compounds that can help reduce inflammation and protect against cancer. Adding Brussels sprouts to your diet can help support healthy digestion, heart health, and immune function.
5. Avocado
Avocado is a fruit that is high in healthy fats, fiber, and potassium. It also contains antioxidants that can help protect against cancer and heart disease. Incorporating avocado into your meals can help support healthy skin, digestion, and cardiovascular function.
6. Asparagus:
Asparagus is a green vegetable that is high in fiber, vitamins A and C, and folate. It also contains compounds that can help reduce inflammation and support healthy digestion.
7. Cucumber:
Cucumbers are a refreshing and hydrating green vegetable that is low in calories and high in fiber. They are also a good source of vitamins K and C.
8. Zucchini:
Zucchini is a versatile green vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways. It is low in calories, high in fiber, and contains vitamins A and C.
9. Green Beans:
Green beans are a tasty and nutritious green vegetable that are high in fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. They are also a good source of antioxidants.
10 Peas:
Peas are a green vegetable that are high in fiber, protein, and vitamins A and C. They also contain compounds that can help reduce inflammation and support healthy digestion.
11. Arugula:
Arugula is a leafy green vegetable that is low in calories and high in vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains antioxidants that can help protect against inflammation and disease.
12. Collard Greens:
Collard greens are a leafy green vegetable that are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. They are high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, and fiber.
Final Words
Eating green vegetables is an essential part of a healthy diet. These foods are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help support healthy bodily functions, reduce the risk of disease, and improve overall well-being. So, make sure to add some of these healthy green foods to your plate and start reaping the benefits today.
About the author
Charlotte
Charlotte is a health, beauty and wellness blogger and a mother of two, who lives between India and London
Sabja seeds, also known as basil seeds, are highly nutritious seeds that have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine.
These small black seeds are rich in fiber, which can help you feel full for longer periods of time, leading to reduced calorie intake and potentially aiding in weight loss.
In this article, we’ll explore how to use sabja seeds for weight loss and some easy recipes to get you started.
How To Use Sabja Seeds
1. Soak the Sabja Seeds
Before you use sabja seeds, you need to soak them in water for at least 15 minutes.
This is because they expand when they come into contact with liquid, which makes them more filling and easier to digest.
Soaking them also releases their gelatinous coating, which is what makes them so effective for weight loss.
2. Add Sabja Seeds to Your Drinks
One of the easiest ways to use sabja seeds for weight loss is to add them to your drinks.
You can add them to a glass of water, lemonade, or even coconut water.
They add a nice texture to your drinks and make them more filling. Sabja seeds also help to cool the body and are great for summer drinks.
3. Make a Sabja Seed Pudding
You can also use sabja seeds to make a healthy and filling pudding. All you need is some milk (dairy or non-dairy), sabja seeds, and a sweetener of your choice.
Soak the sabja seeds in water for 15 minutes, then add them to a pot with milk and your sweetener.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it simmer until it thickens. Once it’s thick enough, remove it from the heat and let it cool. You can add some fruit or nuts for extra flavor and nutrition.
4. Use Sabja Seeds as a Topping
Sabja seeds make a great topping for yogurt, smoothie bowls, and even salads.
They add a nice crunch and texture to your food and make it more filling. You can also mix them with chia seeds to make a superfood topping.
5. Sabja Seed Lemonade
Sabja seed lemonade is a great drink to help you cool down in the summer and aid in weight loss.
To make it, soak some sabja seeds in water for 15 minutes, then add them to a glass of lemonade. You can also add some mint leaves and honey for extra flavor.
To sum up, the benefits of sabja seeds are numerous, making them an excellent addition to your weight loss diet. These versatile seeds can be effortlessly incorporated into a wide range of dishes and beverages. To reap the full rewards of their gelatinous coating, remember to soak them before use. By trying out some of these recipes, you can experience firsthand how sabja seed benefits can support you on your weight loss journey.