Experiencing hormone imbalance? Nutritionist reveals why adding this ne nutrient in diet is essential.
We keep on having conversations about hormones and how they are responsible for mood swings. These are mostly in the context of women but hormones affect everyone. These are chemical messengers that carry messages via blood towards muscles, and other organs. These are produced by endocrine glands that affect metabolism, weight management, reproduction etc. Therefore, an imbalance in hormone levels can lead to significant body processes. Fatigue, weight gain, muscle weakness, mood swings etc can be a few signs of hormone imbalance.
Diet plays a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy diet (no surprises here). According to award-winning nutritionist, Lovneet Batra fibre is one of the most important nutrients to add in the diet for a better hormone balance. She shared on her social media, “Here is why you MUST eat fibre through fruits, vegetables, lentils and whole grains.” (sic)
Hormonal Imbalance: Why Fibre is Important in Diet
- Insulin Metabolism: Fibre slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, preventing spikes in blood sugar levels. This helps regulate insulin production and sensitivity, promoting better blood sugar control and reducing the risk of insulin resistance.
- Cortisol Metabolism: High-fiber foods can help modulate cortisol levels by promoting stable blood sugar levels and reducing stress on the body. This can help mitigate the negative effects of chronic stress and support healthy adrenal function.
- Reducing Inflammation: Fibre-rich foods, particularly soluble fibre, have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. By lowering inflammatory markers, fibre can help balance hormones affected by inflammation, such as cortisol and insulin.
- Feeding Good Bacteria: Fibre acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial bacteria in the gut. A healthy balance of gut bacteria is essential for hormone metabolism and overall hormonal balance. Fibre supports the growth of beneficial bacteria, which can influence hormone levels and metabolism.
- Eliminating Excess Estrogen: Certain types of fibre, especially insoluble fibre, help promote regular bowel movements and efficient elimination of waste, including excess estrogen. By aiding in the removal of estrogen from the body, fibre supports hormonal balance and reduces the risk of estrogen dominance-related conditions.
Apart from diet, a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise and proper sleep schedules is equally important for best results. Stress management is one of the most important things. Increased cortisol levels can affect progesterone production affecting the hormonal balance. It is also better to consult a medical professional to make better and more informed choices. Healthy choices lead to a healthy lifestyle!