Six Ways to Balance Hormones Naturally

Hormonal imbalance can wreak havoc in more ways than one. When your hormones get out of whack, it can affect everything from your emotional to your physical health, affecting virtually everything you do. While it’s practically impossible to know whether an imbalance is coming your way, there are some preventive steps you can take. Here’s how I manage my hormone levels as naturally as possible.

I welcome protein and healthy fats

I incorporate lean proteins—think chicken, turkey, eggs, and fatty fish like salmon—into my diet on a regular basis. I cook them with extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil for a dose of healthy fats, which are also good for keeping hormones in check. And I often mix them with a healthy rotation of high-protein beans, lentils, and pumpkin seeds for an extra flavor kick.

I don’t forget fiber

Women in general simply don’t get enough fiber. I can’t always get the recommended 25 grams into my diet, so I take this fiber supplement to help me stay on track with my daily intake—and to help regulate my digestive system.

I exercise regularly

Well, I try to! But the great news is that research is continually showing that low-impact exercises like yoga, walking, and training with light weights are just as effective at controlling body mass and keeping hormones in check as high-intensity training. Bonus: No knee or joint pain!

I get my eight hours

I cannot stress the importance of getting adequate, high-quality sleep. It’s helpful for balancing hormones but also for pretty much everything else in life: managing stress, controlling weight, maintaining energy levels—the list goes on. Of course, it doesn’t always work out the way I want it to, but I aim for eight hours every night.

I skew sugar

Have you ever read a label on a packaged product? It’s likely filled to the brim with hidden sugars with names like sucrose, glucose, and fructose. I try to avoid these at all costs to not only keep weight down but also to balance my hormones. To satisfy my sweet tooth, I’ll stick to organic fruits and indulge in some delicious dark chocolate (preferably the organic kind).

I avoid chemicals

It’s been several years since I switched to making my own soaps, detergents, cleaners, and deodorants, and I’m never looking back. It has reduced the chemical impact on our household so much that I can’t imagine life any other way. I firmly believe that keeping these potentially—and in some cases literally—harmful chemicals out of my home will help prevent any hormonal imbalances that may come my way.

If these strategies seem overwhelming, try them one at a time. One by one, they will help get you on the right track toward living your healthiest, most balanced natural life!