As we all know, hormones work to keep us healthy and happy but can also cause us emotional and physical imbalance when they are not synchronised. Balancing our hormones can be done through healthy food consumption, when teamed with ways to de-stress, such as exercise including yoga or reiki to balance the chakras and good quality sleep. An example is the primary stress hormone, Cortisol, is regulated as we sleep, poor sleep can aggravate this quiet considerably.
Our endocrine system has 8 major glands, which secrete hormones to regulate metabolism, growth, development, tissue & sexual function, reproduction, mood and sleep. The main glands and organs that secrete hormones include thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, pancreas, testicles and ovaries. This is why we need to feed our hearts, minds and souls with healthy, happy positive thoughts, exercise and nourishment.
To explain further, this exert is taken from Reiki Level One Online Course, available via the website:
The Endocrine System is the collections of glands that produce hormones that regulate metabolism, development and growth, also, sexual function, reproduction, sleep and our moods. The bloodstream connects the Endocrine System. The location and description of the primary endocrine glands are:
-Hypothalamus and Pituitary gland (located in the head)
-Thyroid & Parathyroid Glands located in the neck
-Parathyroid glands are in the tissue around the thyroid
-Adrenal glands – two glands located above the kidneys
-Endocrine Pancreas – located against the back wall of the abdomen near the stomach
-Gastrointestinal hormones
-Gonadal Hormones (gonads) or sex glands are the primary reproductive organs; testes in men & ovaries in women
-Placental Hormones – formed in the lining of the uterus
Hormones are released by the endocrine glands and each secretion causes a different reaction in the body, such as the body’s growth rate, reproductive functions and regulation of calcium and phosphate levels in the blood. The Adrenal glands are often referred to as the chemical ‘policemen’ that regulate the functioning of our bodies and minds.
Balancing our levels naturally can be best done through exercise, diet, plenty of water and healthy sleep patterns. Although the monthly cycle for women is more obvious, men can also experience regular imbalance, which can be helped in exactly the same way, through diet, exercise and relaxation.
Food to aid in the balancing of our hormones include:
Protein
Quinoa
Beans
Seeds
Nuts
Lentils (I am making Red Lentil Soup tonight!)
Fats for Balancing
Coconut Oil - I use Extra Virgin 100% Raw Vita Coco Coconut Oil - I love the fact the label says 'Eat it, Wear it & Swear by it!'
Avocados
Egg yolks
Healing Herbs & Spices
Garlic
Turmeric
Cinnamon
Cumin
Ginger
Cayenne
Do all we can to look after the vessel of our souls greatly improves our mood, digestion, energy, metabolism, libido and even how our skin looks! Our bodies need a balance of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats; a key ingredient to maintain hormone function, fat-free is not always best. Everyone is unique and as a result different food combinations, ways to de-stress and how we manage sleep is up to the individual, as long as a good balance is found. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments, I enjoy hearing others experiences and life patterns.
When I was looking to photograph the products for this article, I was encouraged by the number of these items I consume on a regular basis & so had in my cupboards!! My food knowledge was enhanced by a Nutrition Diploma that I very much-enjoyed studying last year and am now embarking on an Advance Nutrition Course, as I always think there is more to learn!
Have an amazing week
Namaste
Emma
+44 (0)208 892 4627
emma@handserenity.com
